Amman, May 5 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Environment and the Jordan Valley Authority met on Tuesday to coordinate efforts for waste management at the Kingdom’s reservoirs, with a primary focus on the King Talal Dam, as part of a national strategy to curb illegal dumping and environmental degradation.

Omar Arabiyat, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment, and Hisham Al-Haisa, JVA Secretary-General, led the discussions. The meeting reviewed the escalating environmental challenges caused by waste accumulation in water bodies and their direct impact on the sustainability and quality of Jordan's water resources.

Arabiyat stated that the current stage requires a transition from traditional treatments to an integrated approach that unifies institutional efforts and strengthens oversight. He noted that the ministry is moving forward with field programs designed to eliminate random dumping, which remains a leading source of pollution for water sites.

Al-Haisa emphasized that managing waste at dams is no longer merely a service requirement but a priority linked directly to national water security. He highlighted that the Jordan Valley Authority is conducting periodic cleaning campaigns while developing more efficient mechanisms to monitor and mitigate pollution at its source.

The two sides explored several executive mechanisms, including intensifying community awareness campaigns, enhancing environmental monitoring in areas surrounding dams, and introducing modern technologies for waste collection and processing.

A significant portion of the meeting addressed the environmental challenges associated with the Zarqa River, a primary feeder of the King Talal Dam. The river frequently carries pollutants and solid waste as it passes through various industrial and residential zones. Officials stressed the importance of developing integrated solutions, including enhanced water pre-treatment and stricter environmental controls along the river’s path.

The meeting concluded with an agreement to establish an executive action plan with clearly defined institutional roles. The plan aims to achieve tangible results in pollution reduction, improve water quality, and ensure the long-term sustainability of natural resources.

The King Talal Dam is one of the most critical dams in the Kingdom. It faces mounting environmental pressure from waste accumulation, necessitating a shift from immediate reactive measures to long-term strategic planning.

//Petra// AF