The expanded As-Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant was inaugurated and began operations today in Zarqa Governorate. The U.S. Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) CEO Dana J. Hyde traveled to Jordan to join H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Abdallah Ensour for the ceremony.
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Funding for the expansion included a $93 million grant from MCC, representing about one third of the five-year, $275-million MCC-Jordan Compact, which is designed to reduce poverty in Jordan through economic growth. The Millennium Challenge Account-Jordan (MCA-Jordan) is managing and implementing the compact’s water and wastewater projects in Zarqa Governorate.
“MCC and MCA-Jordan are working together with the Government of Jordan to conserve the country’s critical water supply and improve the quality of water for families and businesses,” Hyde said. “Our partnership is an example of the strong U.S. commitment to the people of Jordan and the critical needs of the region.”
The project was structured as a partnership between the public and private sectors, with MCC’s grant supplementing the Jordanian Government’s contribution, and private funds from the Samra Project Company (SPC) – a consortium formed by Suez Environment, Infilco Degremont Inc., and Morganti Group Inc. – and a syndicate of financiers led by the Arab Bank.
“The sponsors of the Samra Project Company; the Morganti Group Inc. and SUEZ Group, are proud to be the private investors and technology providers for such an advanced and meaningful project. This project illustrates exactly what we believe in: sustainability, environment and public health protection,” SPC General Manager Mr. Bernard Bon said.
The plant, which was nearing its maximum limits, will now provide Jordan with 133 million cubic meters of treated water per year – representing more than 10 percent of Jordan’s entire water resources. It is now one of the largest and most modern wastewater treatment plants in the Middle East, treating more than 70 percent of all wastewater produced in Jordan. The plant harnesses clean energy to produce electricity, and the project has employed about 1,500 people.
By increasing the amount of treated water that is released into the Zarqa River, wildlife is returning to the river, and more clean water is available for irrigation to support farmers in the Jordan Valley.
“The enlargement of the plant’s capacity and technical enhancements are designed to meet the needs of Amman and Zarqa through 2025,” MCA-Jordan CEO Eng. Kamal Zoubi said.
Today’s ceremony was also attended by representatives from the Government of Jordan, the U.S. Government, MCC, MCA-Jordan, SPC, and members of the local community.
Once completed, the MCC compact in Jordan is expected to benefit approximately 3 million people.
Learn more about MCC’s compact with Jordan.