The Minister of Water and Irrigation sponsors the launch of the Yarmouk Water Management and Operation Contract

Minister of Water and Irrigation Eng. Raed Abu Al-Soud stated during the launch ceremony of the management and operation contract for Yarmouk Water and Wastewater with the global company Veolia, attended by Middle East Vice President Johnny Obeid, Veolia Jordan Director Matin suadiyeli, Yarmouk Water–Veolia General Manager Ghislain Joffanon, Water Authority Secretary-General Eng. Sufyan Al-Batayneh, Jordan Valley Authority Secretary-General Eng. Hisham Al-Haisa, Ministry of Water and Irrigation Secretary-General Dr. Jihad Al-Mahamid, Chairman of the Board Osama Al-Muhaisen, Board Consultant for the management contract Eng. Mohammad Al-Amayreh, board members, representatives of the U.S. Embassy, Planning and Management Unit Director Eng. Sultan Al-Mashaqbeh, Yarmouk Contract Director Eng. Ahmad Al-Awamleh, and several officials, that the water sector, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision and the Water Strategy 2023–2040, is accelerating efforts to improve performance and address challenges by strengthening partnerships with the private sector to ensure better services for citizens.

The minister explained that the water sector’s efforts aim to transfer successful water management experiences to all regions of the Kingdom by creating a qualitative transformation and improving water and wastewater services for citizens, especially in the northern governorates. This includes developing services, increasing water supply efficiency, reducing water loss, lowering energy costs, enhancing the sustainability of water and wastewater services, improving water sector management efficiency, developing institutional performance, and strengthening partnerships with the private sector in line with environmental, social, financial, and economic standards.

Minister Abu Al-Soud added that citizens will notice a qualitative improvement in service quality and enhanced performance and financial stability of Yarmouk Water Company through partnership with Veolia, along with greater efficiency in services and faster response times. He explained that the management contract includes supervising operation and maintenance activities at Yarmouk Water Company and implementing a management model based on measuring and monitoring performance indicators, with clear objectives and defined responsibilities. The contract will also enhance internal systems, develop governance and oversight, and support staff development to ensure sustainable improvements throughout the implementation period.

The contract also aims to enhance water and wastewater services in the governorates of Irbid, Ajloun, Jerash, and Mafraq, which fall within the service area of Yarmouk Water Company. The minister stressed the importance of citizens experiencing the success of this initiative through the introduction of the latest systems and modern practices, as well as benefiting from artificial intelligence in managing water and wastewater services. He praised the efforts of the Planning and Management Unit and the working team in completing the required tasks, especially since the technical team that will manage the company in the coming period has extensive experience in this field.

Veolia is considered one of the global companies specialized in water and wastewater management worldwide and has successful experiences in water management across 56 countries. The company employs 215,000 people and has supplied water to 111 million people globally, connected 98 million people to wastewater services, and managed 3,879 water plants and 3,198 wastewater treatment plants. The minister added that the company seeks to enhance water and wastewater service management in the northern governorates by achieving operational progress, improving performance efficiency, building operational capacity effectively, strengthening and sustaining the financial position of Yarmouk Water Company, improving service quality, and enhancing governance and digital transformation.