The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a framework loan of EUR 260 million (US$ 314 million) with the government of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (HKJ) to support priority water sector investments of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation. The programme will contribute to optimising the production, transmission and distribution of water in Jordan.

The EIB’s funds will finance projects in the construction, upgrade and improvement of various water supply facilities in several governorates across Jordan. The implementation of these projects will improve the resilience of the water supply sector and support adaptation to climate change, as well as creating jobs during both the construction phase and the operation of the facilities.

In addition to the Bank’s funding, the Economic Resilience Initiative Technical Assistance envelope will provide a EUR 3 million (US$ 3.63 million) grant for technical assistance to support necessary preparatory and feasibility studies and allocation of sub-projects under the programme. The Economic Resilience Initiative is part of the EU’s response to the challenges in the Southern Neighbourhood and Western Balkans.

The framework loan seeks to support the objectives of the Jordanian government in the framework of the National Water Strategy 2016-2025, which identifies projects that contribute to a resilient water sector as a key priority. The implementation of the programme will improve Jordan’s Economic Resilience and support the socio-economic infrastructure of the country.