Jordan Daily – A four-year Dutch-Jordanian water infrastructure project has successfully brought clean water and improved sanitation services to over 125,000 residents in Irbid.
The €5.6 million project, funded by the Dutch government and implemented by Amsterdam-based World Waternet in partnership with Yarmouk Water Company (YWC), aimed to address Irbid’s aging wastewater infrastructure, which has been under increasing pressure due to rapid population growth.
The Dutch Embassy in Amman said in a statement on Wednesday, the project represents a significant milestone in Dutch-Jordanian cooperation, reaffirming the Netherlands’ commitment to supporting Jordan’s efforts to combat water scarcity.
The project replaced 12 kilometers of outdated sewer pipes in Irbid’s city center, reducing blockages and improving wastewater flow. In addition, over 250 YWC staff were trained in infrastructure maintenance, safety protocols, and asset management, equipping the utility with long-term capabilities to maintain the system. Six trucks from the Netherlands were also provided to help clean and inspect the sewage system.
“The people of Jordan face tremendous challenges with water scarcity. The Netherlands is working closely with our partners to implement sustainable water practices. Today, we are glad to see the results of the cooperation between World Waternet and YWC. Together, we’ve made tangible improvements in addressing water and wastewater challenges intensified by Irbid’s rapid population growth, benefiting both citizens and business owners,” said Harry Verweij, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan.
The partnership improved the efficiency of three wastewater treatment plants that now process over 26 million liters of wastewater per day. It also introduced safety standards, including COVID-19 measures, to ensure worker and public safety during system operations.
“This partnership highlights the power of collaboration in achieving meaningful change. Working together with YWC, we’ve delivered impactful solutions that will strengthen Jordan’s water management capacity for years to come,” stated Kees van der Lugt, Regional Director, World Waternet Middle East and North Africa.
The project aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) for clean water and sanitation, contributing to the region’s resilience against climate change and growing water demands.
