UK Pledges £5.3 Mln for Jordan Water Project

The United Kingdom has pledged £5.3 million to support Jordan’s National Water Carrier Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at strengthening long-term water security in the country.

Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Zeina Toukan, signed a memorandum of understanding on Monday with British Ambassador to Jordan Philip Hall to formalize the grant. The funding falls under the UK’s Water Adaptation, Desalination and Infrastructure Program.

Toukan praised the Jordan-UK partnership and expressed appreciation for British support of what she described as a strategic national project. She said the initiative will strengthen sustainable water resource management, help Jordan adapt to climate change impacts, and ensure safe and reliable water supplies in line with the country’s economic modernization vision.

The National Water Carrier Project is one of the largest water infrastructure projects in Jordan. It aims to transport water from multiple sources to high-demand areas, easing pressure on local resources and ensuring stable supplies for residential, agricultural and industrial communities across the kingdom. The project is also designed to enhance resilience against drought and climate-related challenges.

Ambassador Hall said the agreement reflects the United Kingdom’s long-term commitment to supporting Jordan’s water resilience, improving governance and developing sustainable infrastructure that benefits communities nationwide.

He explained that the £5.3 million contribution is provided as a grant. Through the Water Adaptation, Desalination and Infrastructure Program, the UK has also established a risk management facility to deliver technical support to the National Water Carrier Project Management Unit.

The facility will strengthen its ability to anticipate, assess and manage risks, ensuring efficient implementation and optimal use of financial resources.

Jordan is considered one of the most water-scarce countries in the world, making major water infrastructure investments critical for economic growth and climate adaptation.