Water Ministry Saves Jd114m, 20M Cubic Meters Through Network Upgrades, Crackdown On Violations

(MENAFN- Jordan News Agency)

Amman, June 17 (Petra) – Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud on Tuesday said that the government has implemented strategic plans aimed at modernizing water infrastructure, curbing violations, and enhancing network efficiency, resulting in a saving of JD114 million and approximately 20 million cubic meters of potable water by 2024.
In a statement, Abu Saud underscored that water loss mitigation remains a top priority for the sector. He noted that a pioneering partnership with the local private sector considered the first of its kind in the region has reduced water loss by 7.5 percent, surpassing the targeted 2 percent reduction over two years. The national water loss rate now stands at below 46 percent, with annual progress averaging 3 percent.
He highlighted the success of pilot initiatives in areas such as Aqaba and parts of Amman, where performance-based private sector engagement has brought reductions close to international standards. Technical losses due to aging infrastructure account for about 30 percent, while administrative losses primarily unauthorized consumption represent around 70 percent.
The minister explained that the Water Sector Administration has implemented targeted projects to optimize supply, reduce pressure, and transition toward continuous pumping through area-based management. These improvements have lowered maintenance, energy, and operational costs while extending network longevity. SCADA systems and smart meters are being introduced to enable real-time monitoring of household water usage and promptly detect anomalies.
Abu Saud said that improved coordination among government entities has helped reduce attacks on water infrastructure. He pointed to legislative reforms, collaboration with the Judicial Council, and support from the Ministry of Interior and Public Security Directorate as key to effective enforcement. A nationwide campaign also raised public awareness about the severity of water violations.
In 2024, enforcement operations led to the seizure of eight illegal drilling rigs, removal of 58 violations on treasury land in the Jordan Valley, dismantling of 98 encroachments near the al-Khirbet al-Samra Station, sealing of 109 illegal wells, removal of 2,976 violations along the King Abdullah Canal, and the elimination of over 16,225 illegal connections on main and secondary lines. A total of 103 cases were referred to the judiciary, contributing to the recovery of 20 million cubic meters of water and improved supply efficiency.
The ministry has expanded its use of smart technologies, including a pilot AI-driven management project in the Khalda area of Amman. The project modernized networks in ten areas of the capital, covering 110 kilometers.
Abu Saud added that water loss reduction projects now serve 22 percent of subscribers in Amman approximately one million citizens leading to a 54 percent reduction in energy consumption and saving 6.5 million cubic meters of water. A new fleet of leak detection vehicles has also been deployed to accelerate response to complaints.
The minister stated that the cost of water production per cubic meter has dropped to JD1.93 in 2024, with the financial deficit per cubic meter now at 80 piasters. Monthly billing has increased citizen satisfaction, reduced waste, and improved compliance. He noted a 60 percent decline in billing disputes and a significant drop in rooftop and street-level water waste, attributed to increased public awareness and improved communication between service providers and consumers.

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