Ammon News - An additional funding contract of 15 million euros has been signed by the government and the German Development Bank to fund the National Water Carrier Project for desalination and water transportation from Aqaba to Amman.

Aqaba Special Economic Zone's Coastal Areas Management System for the year 2024 has been authorized.

Approval of a revised administrative organization system for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority for the year 2024.

Amman - During the meeting led by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan on Tuesday, the Council of Ministers agreed to the government's additional grant agreement with the German Development Bank for 15 million euros. This funding will assist in the National Water Carrier Project between Aqaba and Amman for desalination and water transportation.

The agreement follows the steps in carrying out the National Water Carrier Project, an essential strategic project for Jordan. Being the third largest desalination project in the Middle East, it serves as a valuable solution to combat the water scarcity in one of the most water-deficient countries.

Upon its conclusion, the project is anticipated to offer 300 million cubic meters of drinkable water. It is a nationwide initiative that aligns with the goal of economic advancement, impacting sectors like agriculture and tourism positively, and playing a crucial role in addressing water requirements across different industries.

The National Water Carrier Project includes a facility on the southern coast of the Gulf of Aqaba, a desalination and pumping facility in Aqaba, and a 450 km long transmission line.

In August of last year, the government's Special Procurement Committee revealed Meridiam Suez as the chosen bidder for the national carrier project, following an assessment of the revised special offer that fulfilled the technical and financial qualifications and reached the minimum technical score specified in the terms of reference.

The Coastal Areas Management System in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone for the year 2024 was also given approval by the Council of Ministers.

The goal of the system is to oversee coastal activities and prevent any infringements or breaches that may arise, as part of the overall regulatory plan for the city of Aqaba. This plan also involves managing the Aqaba Marine Reserve, the sea usage plan, and residential areas.

The system also seeks to safeguard the marine environment, ecosystems, coastal regions, and their water and natural resources from pollution, while also striving for a harmonious relationship between economic activities in coastal areas, utilization of water and natural resources, and preservation of ecosystem services. It aligns with the goal of enhancing citizens' quality of life outlined in the Economic Modernization Vision.

The system promotes community involvement in coastal area management through interactive, participatory, flexible, and continuous approaches. It ensures sustainable use of the coastal area, considers its diverse activities, and facilitates coordination with various sectors and organizations by the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority.

The Council has also ratified a revised administrative organization system for the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority in 2024. The purpose is to enhance the Authority's efficiency in fulfilling its responsibilities under the law by establishing new units that align with the evolving needs to boost investment and tourism in Aqaba, and to formalize its role in leadership and digital innovation.