Ramtha — A €50.652 million agreement was formalized on Monday for the comprehensive modernization of the Ramtha water treatment station. The Minister of Water and Irrigation, Raed Abu Saud, led the signing ceremony. Also present were representatives from Hussein Attia Contracting Company, led by Mazen Attia, and “Passavent,” as well as delegates from the European Union and the French Development Agency, who are providing loans and grants to finance the project.
According to Jordan News Agency, the Ramtha facility, which was inaugurated in 1980 and expanded in 2005, will undergo a two-phased transformation. The goal is to increase the station’s capacity from its current 5,400 cubic meters per day to an expected 27,400 cubic meters per day by the end of the revamp. The project aims to align the water treatment procedures with international standards and extend its services across most of Ramtha by 2045.
Abu Saud emphasized the significance of the project in meeting the objectives of the National Water Strategy 2023-2040. The plan involves the efficient recycling of treated water, an increase in irrigation water supplies, and extending services to densely populated areas. The presence of Syrian refugees in the region was cited as amplifying the need for the upgrade, particularly in terms of sanitation.
Detailing the execution, Abu Saud indicated that the first phase aims to double the station’s capacity to 11,000 cubic meters daily. The effort will mitigate environmental challenges in the area and adhere to a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) model, guaranteeing quality and efficiency throughout the project’s life cycle. Construction and operational plans outline a 30-month work duration, followed by 24 months of operational oversight.
Geographically, the first phase will integrate with existing infrastructure in areas such as the Houran Plain, Al-Tura, Al-Shajara, Al-Buwayda, Amrawa, and Al-Dhaniba, benefiting an estimated 200,000 inhabitants. A conveyor line for wastewater transition from Ramtha to Shalala stations is also planned, offering farmers access to treated irrigation water.
By the close of 2027, the first phase is expected to complete with a capacity of 16,400 cubic meters. The subsequent phase aims to add an additional 11,000 cubic meters, serving an estimated 430,000 people by 2045. The modernized station will adhere to Jordanian Standard No. 893/2006, ensuring that the treated wastewater meets global benchmarks. Abu Saud thanked the European and French partners for their support, particularly in light of the challenges posed by the influx of Syrian refugees. The overarching goal of the project is to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and invigorate the regional agricultural landscape.