Amman, June 17 (Petra) – Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud on Tuesday inspected ongoing concrete works for the rehabilitation and development of the northern section of the King Abdullah Canal. The 13-kilometer upgrade, estimated at JD 11 million, aims to reduce water loss and improve usage efficiency.

Accompanied by Jordan Valley Authority Secretary-General Hisham Al-Hisa, the minister emphasized the government’s full commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and ensuring water availability, particularly in the Jordan Valley, which he described as the country’s food basket. The initiative, he noted, seeks to strengthen farmers’ contributions to national development.

Abu Soud said the project is part of broader government efforts to achieve the objectives of the Economic Modernization Vision by partnering with the private sector, minimizing both technical and administrative water losses, and modernizing irrigation systems. The initiative also involves upgrading equipment used by the Jordan Valley Authority and enhancing water monitoring to prevent unauthorized usage.

He added that once completed, the project is expected to save around 5.5 million cubic meters of freshwater for use in drinking and irrigation, reinforcing the strategic development goals for the Jordan Valley.

During the visit, the minister received a detailed briefing from Al-Hisa and project managers, who outlined the phased work plan. The project incorporates modern construction techniques to ensure the highest standards of execution and will support the Jordan Valley Authority’s broader strategy to cut water losses in the northern section of the canal from Al-Adassiyah to Pump Station 14.

Al-Hisa noted that the works include reinforced concrete lining of the canal and rehabilitation of hydraulic structures. He stressed that the project is part of ongoing national efforts to reduce water loss and align the water sector with international best practices under the national water strategy.

//Petra// AF
17/06/2025 22:00:12