Jordan Irbid wastewater project secures financing

11 June 2024

Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) has secured a financing package totalling $30m for a wastewater treatment plant project in West Irbid.

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) said it signed an agreement with Jordan’s Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation to extend a project financing package to the WAJ.

The package consists of:

  • an EBRD loan of up to $19m
  • an investment grant of $8m  from the UK government under the High-Impact Partnership on Climate Action
  • and a €2.75m investment grant from the EU under its Neighbourhood Investment Platform

According to the EBRD, the funding will help provide essential wastewater services and connections to communities and refugees in Jordan's West Irbid region.

"The financing will contribute to the construction of a new and efficient wastewater treatment plant in the area of West Irbid to complement the wastewater networks financed by the EBRD in 2018," the bank said.

Once completed, the new facility will be able to treat 12,000 cubic metres a day, enhancing the quality and treatment of wastewater in the West Irbid region.

It will provide sanitation services to surrounding towns for the first time and serve both local communities and refugees who have settled in the area.

Jordan is among the top 10 water-stressed nations globally, facing severe water scarcity challenges, a growing population and a significant influx of refugees.

According to EBRD, the city of Irbid is a significant hub of agriculture and economic activity but lacks sustainable water solutions.

The funds will be accompanied by a comprehensive technical cooperation package by the EBRD to support project preparation and implementation.

A further technical cooperation programme will be provided to assist the WAJ in introducing inclusive procurement practices, fostering capacity building and providing on-the-job training opportunities for underserved groups, including youth, women and people with disabilities.

Other wastewater treatment plant projects are under way in Jordan.

In February last year, the kingdom's Water & Irrigation Ministry and the local firm Arab Towers Contracting Company signed an agreement worth €79.5m for the design and implementation of a wastewater treatment plant in the Ghabawi region.

EBRD agreed to provide €41.3m loan while the EU agreed to provide a €30m grant for that project.

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Jennifer Aguinaldo
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