Dr. Adli Kandah

The National Water Carrier Project for desalinating and transporting water from Aqaba to Amman is one of the most strategic initiatives launched by the Jordanian government to address the country’s chronic water security challenges. The project aims to desalinate 300 million cubic meters of seawater annually from the Red Sea to meet the drinking water needs of citizens and reduce pressure on groundwater resources.

1. Strategic Importance of the Project:
•Enhancing Water Security: The project provides a sustainable water source, reducing dependence on depleted groundwater resources and ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations.
•Water Independence: It offers Jordan a new, independent water source, minimizing risks associated with external resource shortages.
•Population Growth Management: The project is expected to supply water for around 4 million citizens annually, aligning with population growth and urban expansion.

2. Financial and Economic Impact:
•Direct Investment: The project involves a multi-billion dinar investment, making it one of Jordan’s largest infrastructure projects.
•Job Creation:
•Around 4,000 job opportunities are expected during the construction phase.
•Approximately 300 direct jobs and 1,000 indirect jobs during the operation and maintenance phases.
•Long-term Cost Savings:
•Reducing reliance on temporary solutions like water trucking.
•Enhancing water resource efficiency and lowering the costs of seeking alternative water sources.
•Public-Private Partnership (PPP): The project follows a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model where the private sector will finance and operate the project for 26 years before transferring ownership to the government, reducing immediate financial pressure on public finances.

3. Social Impact:
•Improving Quality of Life: The project ensures a consistent supply of clean drinking water, improving public health standards.
•Bridging the Water Gap: Providing reliable water access to all regions of the Kingdom, particularly areas facing frequent water shortages.

4. Risk Reduction:
•Water Security Risks: The project mitigates risks associated with water scarcity and droughts.
•Environmental Sustainability: It employs Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology, one of the most advanced desalination techniques, minimizing environmental impact.
•Reducing Groundwater Pressure: The project will help restore groundwater levels by replenishing depleted water basins naturally.

5. New Investment Opportunities:
•Renewable Energy Integration: The project includes renewable energy components, opening the door for further investments in clean energy.
•Infrastructure Development: Construction of pumping stations and water pipelines will create investment opportunities in the construction and technology sectors.
•Service Expansion: With increased water availability, agricultural and industrial investments dependent on water resources can expand.

6. Positive and Strategic Steps Forward:
•Alignment with Royal Directives: The project adheres to His Majesty the King’s vision of developing sustainable water infrastructure.
•Support for Economic Modernization: It aligns with Jordan’s economic modernization goals by providing new water resources and enhancing environmental and financial sustainability.
•International Collaboration: Cooperation with international agencies such as USAID enhances transparency and demonstrates investor confidence in Jordan’s business environment.

The National Water Carrier Project is a positive and strategic step toward achieving sustainable water, economic, and social security in Jordan. Its focus on public-private partnerships, advanced technologies, and large-scale infrastructure investment makes it a model for national mega-projects, positioning Jordan as a leader in sustainable resource management.