Jordan, a nation grappling with severe water scarcity, has faced a mounting water crisis. Its arid climate, limited resources and growing population have long strained people’s access to water. The effects of climate change, including declining rainfall and more frequent droughts, have further exacerbated this issue.

Since 2011, the influx of Syrian refugees seeking shelter in northern Jordan has placed further strain on the country's already limited water resources. In Irbid, where around 126,000 Syrian refugees reside, people experienced limited and intermittent water supply, with some areas receiving water only once a week. In addition, old and deteriorated water infrastructure led to water leakages. The water network simply could not keep up with the needs of both host communities and Syrian refugees.

In partnership with Jordan’s Ministry of Water and Irrigation, and with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), UNOPS worked to improve critical water infrastructure and services in Irbid governorate. This included rehabilitating or constructing approximately 250 kilometres of water pipelines and relocating over 4,500 house connections to the new water network.

Around 90,000 people directly benefited from the project, including Elham Shehabat and Abdallah Thawabteh.

“[Previously], water was supplied once a week and only for a short period,” says Elham Shehabat, a resident of Sarieh District. “It was an emergency for us. We would stay up the whole night to fill the tank, but it was never full,” she adds.

Today, water flows with ease through Elham’s home.

Improved water access has positively impacted the quality of life for its residents. For Abdallah, he was given no choice but to purchase water from private sector resources at higher prices, but the improved supply has helped reduce costs.

“Our collective efforts have contributed to enhancing accessibility to water services for both Jordanian residents and Syrian refugees in Irbid governorate, in an effort to address Jordan’s critical water challenges and priorities while accelerating the achievement of the SDGs for a better future for all,” says Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman.

New trenchless techniques were used to minimize environmental impact, reduce damage to roads and infrastructure, and improve water efficiency. The new water pipes have resulted in significantly less leakage and water waste, ensuring a more reliable supply of clean water to communities in need.

“We hope that improving water distribution and promoting efficient water resource management in Jordan contribute to the development and prosperity of the country and its people,” says Shingo Morihata, Chief Representative, JICA Jordan Office.

“I would like to reiterate that we will continue to make our best efforts to further strengthen the excellent bilateral relations with Jordan, and I also wish that this project contributes to further development and prosperity for the government and the people of Jordan,” adds Shingo Morihata.

This project was implemented as part of a wider programme of initiatives to improve the water sector for host communities of Syrian Refugees in Jordan. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the project aimed to promote social stability in Jordan through the improved quality of, and access to, water supply services for Jordanian residents in Irbid governorate, including Hawwara and Sarieh Districts. The construction of new water distribution networks, in addition to improved existing networks, also benefits the Syrian refugees in host communities and surrounding areas.