Amman: Jordan on Wednesday launched the management and operation contract for Yarmouk Water Company (YWC)'s water and wastewater services with global company Veolia. The step aimed at improving service quality, operational efficiency, and financial sustainability in the northern governorates.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud emphasized that the contract is designed to enhance water and wastewater services in Irbid, Ajloun, Jerash, and Mafraq, which fall within YWC's service jurisdiction. Abu Saud highlighted that this partnership would yield "tangible" results for citizens by integrating modern systems, advanced practices, and artificial intelligence in managing water and wastewater services.
Abu Saud assured that citizens will experience a "qualitative improvement in service quality, faster response times, and stronger performance and financial stability" at Yarmouk Water Company through the collaboration with Veolia. The contract encompasses supervision of YWC's operation and maintenance activities and the implementation of a management model based on performance indicators, with clear targets and responsibilities.
The contract aims to support internal systems, improve governance and oversight, and develop staff capacities to ensure sustainable improvements throughout its implementation period. Abu Saud stated that the water sector is "accelerating" efforts to enhance performance and address challenges under the Economic Modernization Vision and the Water Strategy 2023-2040 by strengthening partnerships with the private sector.
The sector aims to transfer "successful" water management models across the Kingdom and bring about significant improvements in water and wastewater services, particularly in the northern governorates. Efforts focus on improving service delivery, increasing water supply efficiency, reducing water losses, lowering energy costs, and strengthening service sustainability.
Abu Saud also acknowledged the work of the Planning and Management Unit and the technical team involved in completing the required tasks, noting their extensive experience in the field. Veolia is a global company specializing in water and wastewater management, with operations in 56 countries. It manages 3,879 water treatment plants and 3,198 wastewater treatment plants, employing 215,000 people.
Veolia aims to enhance water and wastewater service management in the northern governorates by advancing operations, improving performance efficiency, building operational capacity, sustaining YWC's financial position, improving service quality, and enhancing governance and digital transformation.