Amman, March 26 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Water and Irrigation said Thursday it had detected multiple illegal water connections in Irbid Governorate and southern Amman as part of ongoing efforts to curb water theft and safeguard national water resources.

In the Hanina area of Irbid, inspection teams identified a four-story residential building drawing water unlawfully without meters, in clear violation of regulatory requirements. In the Manja area of southern Amman, three separate infringements were recorded involving illegal tapping into main transmission lines.

The ministry said the violations included unauthorized installation of three 2-inch pipelines, one 3-inch pipeline, and one 1-inch pipeline, all extended over considerable distances to supply agricultural holdings.

According to a ministry statement, the illegal connections were dismantled, and official reports documenting each case were prepared. Investigations are ongoing to identify those responsible and initiate legal proceedings in accordance with applicable legislation.

The ministry commended the efforts of the Public Security Directorate, including the Central Badia Police, and the Royal Department for Environmental Protection and Tourism, as well as citizens who report such violations. It stressed that tampering with water infrastructure constitutes a criminal offense punishable by significant fines and custodial sentences under the law.

//Petra// AJ