Jordan: Wastewater Treatment Plant to be Built in South Amman

A multimillion-dollar wastewater treatment plant will be established in south Amman to serve area residents.

Under an agreement signed on Monday by the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) and the South Korean government, the Export-Import Bank of Korea will provide $24 million for the $46 million project.

The new facility will serve residents of Sahab, Khribet Al Souq, Qweismeh, Nuzha, Rajmul Shami, Dheibat, Jwaideh, Abu Alanda, Feisaleyeh, Jawa and other areas, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud said during 26th May's signing ceremony.

The treatment plant, to be built by the South Korean company Kolon, will have an initial daily capacity of 31,000 cubic metres of wastewater, with the treated water to go towards agricultural uses.

Construction of the plant will commence in the next two to three weeks and is expected to be completed in two years. Abu Saud expressed hope that the project will be finalised ahead of schedule to meet the pressing needs in the area, which is witnessing a continuous growth in population.

Commending the Korean support, the minister pointed out that the Korean government also financed the expansion of the Madaba Wastewater Treatment Plant in 2005 at a cost of $10 million and will also fund the construction of a $30-$40-million treatment plant in Naour.

The location of the facility was selected carefully to ensure it is situated far away from residential areas, Abu Saud said, adding that an advanced ventilation system will be used to prevent the spread of unpleasant odours.

In addition, the plant will include a machine that dries residue from the wastewater treatment process to avoid attracting insects.

Korean Ambassador to Jordan Shin Bong-kil, who attended the signing ceremony, said water management is vital for the Kingdom to face its water challenges.

"This project will enhance the ministry's capability to better serve Jordanians with a more effective wastewater treatment system," he added.

The ambassador said that his country had so far provided around $64 million to Jordan, adding that "such loans are mainly focused on sewage treatment projects, which the country is in dire need of".

He noted that South Korea alsohas helped set up a medical facility, a job training centre and a blood bank, adding that his country will increase its support to the Kingdom.

The project will also benefit the agriculture sector as the treated water will be used to irrigate fodder crops cultivated in the surrounding areas.