Expansion of North Aqaba Wastewater Treatment Plant

The project aimed to address the country's severe water scarcity by expanding and rehabilitating the existing wastewater treatment plant in Aqaba Governorate. The project was carried out in partnership with the Government of Jordan, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, the Water Authority of Jordan, the Aqaba Water Company, and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, as well as CDM International Inc. The project's primary objective was to increase the treatment capacity of the wastewater treatment plant from 12,000 cubic meters per day to 40,000 cubic meters per day. This expansion was necessary to accommodate the growing population of Aqaba Governorate and to enhance sanitation services for its residents. The project also aimed to reduce water loss due to aging infrastructure and to increase the availability of drinking water for millions of Jordanians. The project's design and construction involved the creation of a new plant with a capacity for an average daily flow of 28,000 cubic meters per day. Once completed, the plant will provide safely-managed sanitation services to 150,000 people in Aqaba Governorate, thereby preventing contamination of water resources and protecting public health and the environment. The plant's solar panels and biogas production will also significantly lower operational costs. The project's implementation has several notable achievements. The new plant will serve as an alternative water source for irrigation of public green spaces, increasing the amount of surface and groundwater available for residents to drink and use in their homes. Additionally, the project's use of biogas produced through the wastewater treatment process will provide a sustainable source of energy. The project's completion in 2021 marked a significant milestone in Jordan's efforts to address its water scarcity challenges and to strengthen its water sector. The project's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of USAID, the Government of Jordan, and other partners in addressing the country's water infrastructure needs. The project's achievements will have a lasting impact on the people of Aqaba Governorate and will contribute to Jordan's overall goal of increasing drinking water availability and improving sanitation services for its citizens.