The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD)  signed an agreement with the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation to channel EU grants and help the Water Authority of Jordan to modernise and enhance the water and wastewater management sector in Jordan.

The European Union (EU) is providing a grant of €30 million that is co-financed by a €41.3 million loan from the EBRD for the construction of a greenfield wastewater treatment facility in Al Ghabawi on the outskirts of the capital, Amman. The new facility will replace the existing one in Ain Ghazal, which is harming the environment and causing a nuisance to the surrounding communities.

The Al Ghabawi facility will treat septage collected from areas in Amman that are not connected to the sewerage network. This will help eliminate odour, noise pollution and traffic problems due to septic tank truck movements around the current facility in Ain Ghazal.

Jordan is one of the world’s poorest countries in terms of water resources, and dry climate conditions have created severe water shortages. And with the country’s population continuing to grow rapidly, alongside the influx of 1.3 million Syrians living outside of refugee camps, there is unprecedented stress on existing infrastructure and municipal capacities.

The new wastewater treatment facility will have a capacity of 22,500 cubic metres a day, which will not only replace the existing facility but also provide improved wastewater and sanitation services in the northern municipalities, where services are lacking in capacity and quality.

The financing will also help provide on-site training and employment opportunities for up to 100 unemployed youth and women in the community while the facility is being built.