Ammon News - Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Nasser Shraideh emphasized the importance of providing funding for the National Water Carrier Project, a statement by the ministry said on Tuesday.

During a meeting with Ambassadors of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to Jordan, attended by Water Minister Mohammad Najjar, Shraideh delivered a briefing on the project's strategic features as a top priority for water security, in light of the Kingdom’s water challenges linked to the 1.3 million refugee crisis and the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

"The Aqaba-Amman desalination and water transport project, which is regarded as the most important national investment in the economic priorities program for 2021-2023, will provide some 300 million cubic meters of desalinated water a year," he said.

Shraideh also familiarized the envoys with the government's financial contribution to support the project, noting that several friendly countries have expressed their firm desire to provide financial grants. "The US will also draw the project's preliminary designs, and lay out its environmental and social impact supported by the European Investment Bank," he added.

For his part, the Water Minister introduced the ambassadors to the Kingdom's water challenges and the measures taken to address them, mainly the supply network losses and the inefficient water use, explaining the urgent need for the project, its components, and technical aspects.

GCC Ambassadors praised the Jordanian model in adopting targeted reforms, affirming their countries' understanding of the development challenges facing the Kingdom. They also expressed their great interest in supporting efforts aimed at achieving water security for Jordan.