AMMAN — The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, in
collaboration with the Water Authority, the Ministry of Interior, the General
Security Directorate, and with support from the Jordanian Judicial Council, has
initiated a nationwide awareness campaign aimed at countering attacks on water
sources and supply networks across the Kingdom. The comprehensive campaign
seeks to educate the public about the official endeavors undertaken by various
state entities to tackle infringements and assaults on water rights over a
period of three months.
اضافة اعلان
Addressing attacks on water pipelines
Omar Salama, the Assistant Secretary-General of the Water
Authority and spokesperson for the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, emphasized
the pressing need for collective action to address the problem of attacks on
water pipelines. He noted that the nation is currently grappling with a
substantial decline in available water quantities and an escalating demand,
Jfra news reported.
Salama stressed, "Regardless of the extensive efforts
exerted by the state in securing new water sources and maintaining networks and
pipelines, attacks on water infrastructure undermine supply programs and have a
direct impact on water distribution to different regions. This ultimately
affects citizens, as it disrupts their access to water during the distribution
cycles."
Jordan's annual water requirements are estimated at 1.5
billion cubic meters for various purposes, while the current water supply
stands at 1.2 billion cubic meters, resulting in a water deficit of 400 million
cubic meters. The campaign aims to instill national awareness to combat such
detrimental behaviors.
Causes of the water deficit
The water deficit in Jordan is attributable to both natural
causes, such as climate change, and other factors, including population growth
through natural means and forced migration.
The recurrent attacks on water sources and networks result
in the loss of millions of cubic meters of water annually, contributing to
increased economic costs and burdening the state financially. Securing one
cubic meter of water costs approximately 2.40 piasters from the state's
treasury.
The national campaign has received the support of the
Jordanian Judicial Council, which underscores that any actions related to
water, such as selling, transporting, using, or exploiting it in a manner that
causes harm, subject the perpetrators to imprisonment and fines. Over the
period of 2020 to 2022, specialized courts issued more than ten judicial
rulings against individuals who attacked water sources, with penalties ranging
from one year of imprisonment to fines. Moreover, the perpetrators are required
to bear the costs of repairing the damage caused.
Colonel Amer Al-Sartawi, the official spokesperson for the
General Security Directorate, affirmed that combating attacks on water sources
necessitates the active participation of all members of society. He stressed
the importance of promptly reporting incidents and cultivating a sense of
responsibility among individuals to tackle this pressing challenge.
Tareq Al-Majali, the official spokesperson for the Ministry
of Interior, further elucidated that unauthorized drilling of groundwater wells,
as per Article 30 of the Water Authority Law, carries penalties that may
include imprisonment for up to one year and a fine of not less than JD1,000 for
each individual involved.
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