Jordan has taken a major step toward solving its long-standing water crisis by approving several international agreements focused on infrastructure and development. In a recent Cabinet session led by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan, the government endorsed a range of projects that aim to boost water supply, improve sanitation, and strengthen bilateral cooperation.
A significant highlight is a €50 million grant and €2 million soft loan from the Italian government and the Italian Development Bank. These funds will support the Aqaba-Amman National Water Carrier Project, designed to deliver 300 million cubic meters of clean drinking water annually. This vital initiative will help alleviate water shortages and increase access across all governorates in Jordan.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved an amended agreement with the French Development Agency for the Northeast Balqa sanitation project, valued at €60 million. The plan includes building a new wastewater treatment facility near King Talal Dam, replacing the aging Baqaa plant. The new station will initially handle 36,000 cubic meters per day, with future capacity expandable to 54,000 cubic meters, aiming to modernize and enhance wastewater efficiency in the region.
Beyond water projects, Jordan also ratified a framework agreement with Malta to launch a joint economic committee. Four memoranda of understanding were signed covering water, energy, tourism, and archiving, reinforcing efforts to foster collaboration and exchange expertise between the two nations.