Managing water scarcity in Jordan

Context

Jordan is one of the driest countries in the world and is far below the international water poverty line. The pressure on available resources is increasing due to a growing population, the large number of Syrian refugees, and the effects of climate change. Groundwater resources have been overused for decades, leaving supplies perilously uncertain.

The water sector institutions’ long-term planning does not fully address issues such as the availability of resources and changes in demand, making it harder for them to allocate resources optimally. At the same time, the companies who supply water and treat wastewater are struggling to maintain their service delivery levels and ensure the continuity of their operations.

Objective

The three state water institutions manage limited water resources more effectively.

The GIZ Water Portfolio in Jordan

Approach

The project is designed as an umbrella programme for the German-Jordanian water portfolio. It assists Jordan’s water institutions by determining the optimal use of water resources, and complements other related projects. The approach is based on four main components:

• The National Water Master Plan and Water Resources Allocation Modelling help to improve water supply and investment planning and restructure the supply infrastructure.
• A Water Sector Reform will enhance performance monitoring and foster greater transparency between the water utilities and the Utility Performance Monitoring Unit, which is directly linked to the Minister of Water and Irrigation. This will have a positive impact on performance and ensure continuous service delivery for customers.
• Identification of specific options, studies, joint preparation of tender documents, and knowledge building will promote the integration of the private sector into the operation of water supply and wastewater utilities.
• Human resources and leadership development focuses on improving human resources management by enhancing professional expertise and leadership skills in the water sector.

Last update: October 2022