Amman, Sept. 27 (Petra) – Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud on Saturday inspected progress on the early works of the Aqaba-Amman Water Desalination and Conveyance Project, also known as the National Carrier Project, during a field tour in Aqaba. The works are being carried out by Suez and Orascom in cooperation with a local company.

Abu Soud said completion of these preliminary works is a key milestone in what he described as the largest infrastructure project of its kind in the region and the world. He noted the project is central to the government’s efforts to fast-track one of the most vital national strategic initiatives, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision, to desalinate and supply 300 million cubic meters of seawater annually from the Gulf of Aqaba, providing sustainable solutions to Jordan’s water shortages.

During the tour, which included the desalination plant site and the marine intake for the National Carrier pipeline, the minister stressed the importance of avoiding overlap between infrastructure services and the pipeline route and of completing works ahead of schedule.

Accompanied by project director Saddam Khlaifat and Ministry adviser and infrastructure readiness financing officer Eyad Al-Qusair, Abu Soud reviewed surveying works being conducted with modern technology, including aerial imaging and ground-penetrating radar to identify underground services, thereby saving time, effort and costs.

He said the preparation of technical designs, topographic surveys, geotechnical tests, field and environmental works, and construction of temporary facilities is proceeding according to the set timeline, in parallel with the ministry’s accelerated efforts to ensure that project implementation begins on the ground.

//Petra// AF