Jordan signs €31 grant agreement with Dutch government to finance National Carrier Project

AMMAN — The Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation on Thursday signed a grant agreement with the Dutch government to finance the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project with a total of 31 millioneuros.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan and Dutch Ambassador to Jordan Harry Verweij, on behalf of the Dutch state-owned development financier Invest International in the presence of Raed Abu Saud, the Minister of Water and Irrigation, and SouadFarsi, Representative of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in Jordan, which will manage the agreement.

"Making additional, non-groundwater available through desalination is crucial for water security in Jordan," Verweij said in a Ministry of Planning statement.

"The Netherlands is a global leader in water management and technology, and a reliable partner to Jordan, demonstrated through projects such as the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyor Project. This transformative initiative will ensure a sustainable water supply for the future, including for vulnerable communities, while also supporting Jordan’s economic growth. The Netherlands remains fully committed to this partnership."

EIB Vice President Gelsomina Vigliotti said, “This significant contribution from The Netherlands underscores our shared commitment to ensuring access to safe and sustainable water resources. The Water Sector Fund plays a crucial role in mobilizing finance for essential projects, and this new funding will allow us to expand our impact in Jordan.”

“We are proud to partner with the EIB to support the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance project through the Water Sector Fund. This investment is vital for enhancing water security in Jordan and addressing water challenges, which have been exacerbated by regional conflicts and climate change. The investment demonstrates our commitment to addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration,” Petra Vernooij, Director Public Infrastructure of Invest International, said. 

Abu Saud said that the project is progressing according to established plans, demonstrating the government's commitment to implementing the Royal directives and achieving the Economic Modernisation Vision, along with the strategic plan for the water sector, the statement said. 

He said that the project will provide sustainable solutions to address part of the water shortage by desalinating 300 million cubic meters while addressing the impacts of climate change and meeting the needs of approximately 4 million citizens. 

“This project is one of the most extensive desalination and infrastructure projects in Jordan, as it will limit groundwater and surface water degradation by natural replenishment and increase water supplies.”

Toukan commended the Dutch government and Invest International’s support for this critical project, which is part of the Team Europe initiative on Green Economy. “This project will provide an important source of water, and contribute to enhancing economic development in Jordan,” she concluded. 

The Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, also known as the National Carrier Project, will desalinate water from the Red Sea starting from the Gulf of Aqaba, ensuring drinking water supply to Amman and Aqaba while serving other governorates along the pipeline route, including Maan, Tafileh, Karak, and Madaba.