Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - USAID on Tuesday launched water projects totalling $3.8 million in the northern region.

Of the total amount, $2.8 million will supply additional water to the Irbid and Mafraq governorates and $1 million will be distributed to 50 charitable and cooperative organisations in Irbid, 80km north of Amman, to implement communal water-related projects and establish a revolving loan programme managed by local community-based organisations, according to a USAID statement.

Water Minister Hazem Nasser, who inaugurated the projects, said they will enhance and improve services provided by the Yarmouk Water Company in response to the current conditions in the north due to the influx of Syrian refugees.

The projects, he added, will enhance water supply, decrease leakages and increase quantities to meet the rising demand.

The ministry and the Water Authority of Jordan “are working hard to overcome challenges facing northern governorates”, the statement quoted Nasser as saying.

The water situation in Jordan is improving with regard to water supply and sewage networks throughout the country, he added.

The infrastructure improvements will result in an additional 500 cubic metres of water an hour being supplied to the Irbid, Ajloun, Ramtha and Jerash governorates, benefitting 150,000 people, according to USAID.

The $1 million that USAID is providing to Irbid community-based organisations will establish a revolving loan programme and communal water-related projects to improve the efficiency of water use and strengthen cooperation between civil society and the Water Ministry in the north, the agency said.

“These activities are all part of USAID’s Community Based Initiatives for Water Demand Management Project, implemented by Mercy Corps.”

The project is aimed at reducing the disparity between communities’ increasing demand for water and the limited supply.

*Jordan Times