Amman: Secretary-General of the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) Hisham Haisa on Monday inaugurated a project to rehabilitate and expand Al Hasa reservoir in South Jordan Valley's Ghor Al-Safi, funded by the U.S. Embassy in Amman to improve water resource management and support agricultural sustainability.
According to Jordan News Agency, Haisa highlighted the importance of the reservoir as a crucial water facility in the southern Jordan Valley. It supports agricultural water infrastructure, managing around 24 million cubic meters of water annually. This water is vital for irrigating approximately 55,000 dunums, and it also supplies water for industrial use and nearby communities. The JVA is committed to continuing the development of the water management system, aligning with the national water sector strategy.
The project aims to increase storage capacity, upgrade control and operation systems, and improve sedimentation and treatment facilities. These upgrades are designed to reduce water loss and enhance irrigation efficiency, addressing the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.
Haisa emphasized the long-standing U.S. support for Jordan's water sector, with a total funding of about JD1.4 million allocated for this project. This investment will enhance water collection, storage, and distribution systems, minimize water loss, and ensure continuous service.
Once completed, the upgraded facility is expected to manage millions of cubic meters of water annually. It will serve nearly 50 percent of irrigated agricultural land in the southern Jordan Valley and support industrial use, as well as the drinking water supply for nearby communities.
The Al Hasa reservoir is strategically important for the southern Jordan Valley, providing water for irrigation, industrial supply, and drinking purposes. The rehabilitation and expansion scheme is designed to boost the reservoir's capacity to fulfill these essential roles while improving the management of scarce water resources in one of Jordan's most water-stressed regions.
The project underscores the strong U.S. support for Jordan and a mutual commitment by both countries to tackle water challenges and enhance water security for communities across the Kingdom.