Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abul Saud announced the signing of an early works agreement on Wednesday with Jad Hareebah, Director General of the National Water Carrier Project Company.
The agreement marks a critical step toward launching the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, also known as the National Carrier Project, by fulfilling key donor and financier requirements, the Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported.
Under the agreement, preliminary work will begin, including engineering design, topographical surveys, geotechnical testing, environmental assessments, and the installation of temporary facilities. The company will also secure necessary permits and licenses to optimize project efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure affordable water delivery within the planned timeline.
Abul Saud emphasized the agreement’s significance in expediting financial closure, the final step before full-scale implementation. He reiterated the government’s commitment to strict oversight, stating that the project is a top priority in Jordan’s economic development agenda and will be executed in partnership with the private sector.
The National Water Carrier Project is Jordan’s largest infrastructure initiative and among the most ambitious globally. It includes a large-scale desalination plant in Aqaba with an annual capacity of 300 million cubic meters, a state-of-the-art seawater intake system along the Gulf of Aqaba, and an advanced reverse osmosis plant to convert seawater into potable water.
Additionally, the project will feature a 450-kilometer water transmission system to Amman, high-capacity pumping stations, and renewable energy components. It aims to generate 31% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030, reinforcing Jordan’s commitment to sustainable water solutions.