World Bank approves USD 250 mln in financing to improve efficiency of water services in Jordan

WASHINGTON, June 18 (KUNA) - The World Bank approved USD 250 million in financing "to improve the efficiency of water service" in Jordan, the World Bank announced Sunday.

The World Bank said in a statement that the project will "deliver impact for people and the planet by reducing water losses, reducing electricity usage and improving water management systems." It indicated that about 1.6 million people will benefit from improved water services. "The approved financing for the new Jordan Water Sector Efficiency Project consists of a USD 200 million loan from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and a USD 50 million grant from the Global Concessional Financing Facility (GCFF)," according to the statement.
World Bank Country Director for the Middle East Department Jean-Christophe Carret said in this regard that "the Government of Jordan has been proactive in analyzing water scarcity challenges and in formulating adaptive response measures." "This new financing provides the investment support and long-term programmatic approach needed to mobilize major investments in infrastructure and institutional reform, linking planning with action to improve the efficiency and resilience of the water sector in Jordan," Carret added. According to the statement, "Jordan is one of the most water-scare countries in the world and the anticipated outcomes of this Project are significant and wide-reaching." (end) si.ibi.