Amman:The Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) recently conducted a technical workshop to evaluate the detailed design criteria for rehabilitating approximately 52 kilometers of the northern section of the King Abdullah Canal. The project aims to address water losses in this significant waterway.
According to Jordan News Agency, the initiative, named "Climate Protection in the Water Sector Water Loss Reduction of King Abdullah Canal," receives funding from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through the KfW Development Bank. A consortium of consulting firms will implement the project, focusing on relining sections of the canal and upgrading associated infrastructure to curb leakage and enhance water delivery reliability.
During the workshop, representatives from the JVA, the German Development Bank, and water user associations discussed design strategies, project outcomes, and unresolved issues. They emphasized key components of the detailed design to ensure the project's success.
JVA Secretary-General Hisham Hayseh underscored the importance of minimizing water losses and optimizing water resource usage, citing Jordan's limited water supply as a national concern. He noted that the project's goals include improving water-transfer reliability for both agricultural and drinking-water purposes. Hayseh also advocated for the involvement of water user associations to leverage their operational experience, aiding in identifying practical technical solutions and enhancing project implementation.
Jumana Duwairi, Director of Irrigation and Infrastructure Projects, highlighted that water losses from the King Abdullah Canal are primarily due to leakage, deteriorating infrastructure, evaporation, illegal tapping, and unregulated use. The project is a component of broader efforts to reduce water losses, rehabilitate water infrastructure, and boost the efficiency of available water resources.