Managing water scarcity in Jordan

Context

Jordan is one of the most water-scarce countries in the world and is far below the international water poverty line. Pressure on the limited available resources is increasing due to the 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 optimally allocate resources. At the same time, the water utilities who distribute water and treat wastewater are struggling to maintain their service delivery levels and ensure the continuity of their operations.

Objective

Jordan’s water-sector institutions are applying the principles of good governance.

Approach

The project approach is based on five main components:

• Sector information and dialogue: improving the exchange of information between the public and water-sector institutions, preventing misinformation and ensuring the provision of relevant information.
• Performance monitoring management: supporting the recently established Utility Performance Monitoring Unit (UPMU) in the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in their monitoring and regulatory role, aiming to gradually develop the UPMU into an independent regulator.
• Human Resources management and leadership: improving the human resources management by optimising the HR work processes and enhancing leadership skills.
• Bulk water management: establishing a new operational structure and a digital tool for bulk water planning, allocation and management for better response to climate change.
• Digitalisation and data security: protecting the data and IT systems of water-sector institutions from external threats and expanding the national, geographical information system to advance data exchange between the sector institutions.

Last update: March 2023