Under the framework of FAO Regional Water Scarcity Initiative, Field Work Activities for Sanitary Safety Planning Commence in Jordan!

In a significant step towards assisting the Arab countries in developing and implementing Sanitation Safety Plans (SSP) at national scale, FAO regional office of Near East and North Africa in collaboration with The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, The Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan commenced the field work activities for the sanitary safety plan (SSP) for Wadi Musa Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

This groundbreaking initiative came in response to the Arab countries’ request for technical support in the development and Implementation of national SSPs to enhance the safety and sustainability of water systems for all citizens. This official request took place in October 2022 during the High-Level Joint Water-Agriculture Technical Committee (HLJTC) meeting convened by the League of Arab States (LAS) and FAO.

Following this meeting, a formal expression of interest came from the Jordanian Government to FAO to start an inception preparatory phase for the SSP development in accordance with FAO comprehensive framework for Piloting Sanitation Safety Plans in the Arab Countries, that was issued last year. With the country's water resources under increasing pressure due to population growth, climate change, and regional instability, the implementation of robust sanitary safety measures is critical for Jordan.

The selected pilot site for Jordan is the Wadi Musa WWTP and reuse site which is located in the valley of Sidd al-Ahmar in southern Jordan, at the northern end of Petra Archaeological Park. The ancient Nabataean city of Petra, Jordan, which was placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. The plant is designed to serve Wadi Musa and the neighboring villages of Tayyibeh, Umm Sayhoun and Beidha, as well as the tourists of Petra.

Wadi Musa plant has been operational since 2003 in a batch mode in which wastewater is introduced through 4 pumping stations. All effluent is being directly used for irrigating fodders and fruit trees. The irrigation water is provided directly from the storage pond at the wastewater treatment plant.

The field work activities involved the development of a comprehensive assessment of potential hazards and vulnerabilities. During the visits, a team of experts conducted on-site inspections, interviews with operator of the sewerage network, wastewater treatment plant, the pumping stations, and farmers associations. The information collected shall be used to develop tailored safety plans for the system, focusing on risk mitigation, emergency response, and long-term sustainability.

The findings and recommendations will be presented to the Ministry of Water and Irrigation and relevant ministries and stakeholders in a consultation workshop that is planned next month. This work will contribute to Jordan's broader strategy to advance the sue of non-conventional water resources and achieve sustainable water management and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for food, climate and water security. By strengthening the safety and reliability of its water systems, Jordan aims to improve the quality of life for its citizens and build resilience against future water-related challenges.

For more information on the Sanitary Safety Planning initiative and updates on the field work activities, please contact Mohamed Al Hamdi and Heba Al Hariry.