Amman, Dec. 16 (Petra) – Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud on Tuesday signed an agreement to rehabilitate the Abu Zighan desalination plant in Balqa Governorate, as part of ongoing efforts to enhance water supply infrastructure.

The agreement was signed with José Antonio Caballero, general manager of the Spanish company Desalia, and Hussein Atieh Contracting Company. The project, valued at $36.9 million, is financed by the European Investment Bank, with engineering services provided through support from the United States government.

According to a ministry statement, the project will upgrade the existing plant to operate using reverse osmosis technology and increase its production capacity to 27,000 cubic meters per day. The expanded capacity is expected to meet water needs in 17 areas across Deir Alla and Karameh, benefiting approximately 100,000 citizens by 2050.

Abu Saud said the project aligns with national efforts to improve water supply across the Kingdom, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and the Water Sector Strategy for 2023–2040. He added that the initiative also seeks to strengthen the role of the local private sector in implementing infrastructure projects that enhance service delivery to citizens.

The minister underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing water challenges, highlighting the support of the European Union, particularly through the European Investment Bank, as well as the United States government, in financing and implementing strategic water projects amid rising demand.

//Petra// AJ