Amman, Aug. 9 (Petra) — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation
launched technical assistance advisory services Sunday for the Water
Sector Efficiency Improvement Project, with broad participation from
the World Bank, the French Development Agency (AFD), the Ministry of
Planning and International Cooperation, the Jordan Valley Authority
(JVA) and water companies.

The advisory launch represents a “strategic” partnership supporting
one of the kingdom’s key national programs, running through 2028 at a
total cost of about $300 million funded by the World Bank, a trust
fund and co-financing, said Sultan Mashaqbeh, director of planning
and administration at the Water Authority.

According to a ministry statement, Mashaqbeh said the program aims to
raise “efficiency” across the water sector, reduce losses, improve
distribution systems, implement energy projects, cut electricity
consumption and strengthen the sustainability of water services
across the kingdom’s governorates.

As for its role, the consultant will provide “direct” support to
project management and implementation units in procurement, contract
management, financial and technical monitoring, and meeting Project
Development Objective (PDO) indicators, Mashaqbeh said.

He stated this effort would ensure projects are carried out
efficiently and the program’s development goals are met.

He said the program, coordinated with the Ministry of Water and
Irrigation and the JVA, aims to develop water distribution plans,
strengthen annual planning for water allocations, prepare drought
response and risk management plans, develop drought monitoring and
information-sharing systems, and improve the management, readiness
and safety of dams and water storage facilities.

He said this activity will bolster water security and ensure
sustainable supply for Jordan’s municipal and agricultural use.

Mashaqbeh called the launch of the advisory services a “milestone and
a close strategic” partnership supporting one of the water sector’s
crucial national development programs.

He also thanked international partners, led by the World Bank and the
French Development Agency, for their continued support in financing
strategic investments and advancing structural and institutional
reforms nationwide.

In turn, the consulting firm presented an overview of its technical
assistance approach, as well as a training program for sector staff.

//Petra// NQ