THE WORLD BANK APPROVES US$250 MILLION TO TACKLE JORDAN’S WATER CRISIS

The project will deliver impact by reducing water losses, reducing electricity usage and improving water management systems

The World Bank has approved US$250 million in financing to improve the efficiency of water services in Jordan through the rehabilitation of water distribution networks, improving energy efficiency and strengthening the drought management system in the Kingdom.

Jordan is one of the most water-scare countries in the world, and the anticipated outcomes of this project are significant and wide-reaching. The project will deliver impact for people and the planet by reducing water losses, reducing electric- ity usage and improving water management systems. An estimated 1.6 million people will benefit from improved water services. Water system management will also be strengthened for farmers and industries, building economic productivity and strengthening the country’s resilience to climate shocks.

The approved financing for the new Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project consists of a US$200 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) to use the water delivery system to provide hydro-electric power to the Kingdom of Lesotho. and a US$50 million grant from the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF). Launched in 2016, the GCFF provides concessional financing to middle income countries hosting large numbers of refugees. The project will target areas with higher refugee populations, providing benefits to both the refugees and the host community. Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world and is grappling with a severe water crisis that constrains the country’s economic and human development.

Phase 1 of the project was completed 20 years ago, in 2003. The water transfer component of Phase 2 comprises a 165-metre-high concrete-faced rock fill dam at Polihali, downstream of the confluence of the Khubelu and Senqu (Orange) Rivers. This development will also feature a 38-kilometre, concrete-lined gravity tunnel connecting the Polihali reservoir to the Katse reservoir.