The Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) is the official body responsible for the overall monitoring of the water sector, water supply and wastewater system and the related projects, planning and management, the formulation of national water strategies and policies, research and development, information systems and procurement of financial resources. Its Role also includes the provision of centralized water related data, Standardization and Consolidation of Data.
The MWI was established in 1992, by a bylaw issued by the executive Branch of the Government under the Jordanian Constitution. The establishment of the Ministry of Water and Irrigation was in response to Jordan's recognition for the need of a more integrated approach to National water management. Since its establishment, MWI has been supported by several donor organization projects that have assisted in the development of water policy and water master planning as will be as restructuring the water sector.
Seven Directorates under the directive of the Assistant Secretary Generals for Finance and Administration and Technical Affairs as well as two Units for Legal Affairs and Project Finances directly subordinated to the Secretary General fulfill the said functions (MWI Organisational Chart).
Units for public relations, internal monitoring and water security and protection are directly subordinated to the Minister of Water and Irrigation with responsibilities overarching MWI, WAJ and JVA (Ministry By-Law No.52 of 1992).
With its extensive Water Information System, MWI has become a lead in the region that uses GIS-based digital tools for Water Master Planning activities, offering the framework, databases and tools necessary to manage water data and providing water specialists with data and information for water sector monitoring, management and planning. MWI regularly produces essential water sector information products including the Water Master Plan. NAME OF INSTITUTION: Jordan Valley Authority CONTACT OR DIRECTOR: Eng. Zafer Alem POSITION TITLE OF CONTACT: Secretary General ADDRESS OF INSTITUTION: P.O. Box 2769, Amman - Jordan TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 689400 TELEFAX: (+) 962-6-689916 E-MAIL: Zafer.Alem@mwi.gov.jo ACTIVITIES: A. The development and use of water resources of the Jordan Valley for purposes of irrigated agriculture, domestic and municipal uses, industry, hydropower generation and other beneficial uses, for the protection and conservation of these resources, and the implementation of all works related to the development, utilization, protection and conservation thereof, including:
1. Conducting studies required for evaluation of water resources including hydrological, hydrogeological and geological studies, drilling of exploratory wells and installation of observation wells.
2. Planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of irrigation projects and related structures and works of all types and purposes including dams and appurtenant works, pumping stations, reservoirs and water conveyance and distribution networks, surface and subsurface drainage works, flood protection works, and roads and building needs for operation and maintenance.
3. Soil surveys and classification, and the identification and reclamation of lands for use in irrigated agriculture, and dividing them into farm units.
4. Settlement of disputes arising from the use of water resources.
5. In coordination with the Water Authority of Jordan, organize and direct the construction of private and public wells.
6. Development and improvement of the environment and the living conditions in the Jordan Valley, and implementation of the related works including:
B. Planning, design and construction ~ farm roads.
C. Development of tourism in the Jordan Valley including construction of touristic and recreational facilities.
D. Social development of the Valley inhabitants including the establishment of private institutions in order to help them contribute to the improvement of the Valley and to the achievement of development objectives.
E. Additional development activities as requested from the cabinet. NAME OF INSTITUTION: Water Authority Of Jordan CONTACT OR DIRECTOR: Eng. Munther Klaifat POSITION TITLE OF CONTACT: Secretary General ADDRESS OF INSTITUTION: P.O. Box,2412 Amman - Jordan TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 5680870 TELEFAX: (+) 962-6- 5679143 E-MAIL: WAJSG@mwi.gov.jo ACTIVITIES: A. Survey and conserve the different water resources and determine ways, means, and priorities for their implementation and use (except for irrigation use).
B. Set up plans and programmes to implement approved water policies related to domestic and municipal waters and sanitation. Develop water resources in the Kingdom for both domestic and municipal purposes, including digging of productive wells, development of springs, treatment and desalination of waters, and execution of works to augment water resources potential and to improve and protect water quality. For this purpose the term (municipal waters) means waters that are used for domestic, commercial, industrial, and touristic purposes and which are supplied through the public networks.
C. Direct and regulate the construction of public and private wells; investigate water resources; drill exploratory, reconnaissance, and production wells; and license well drilling rigs and drillers.
D. Study, design, construct, operate, maintain, and administer water and public wastewater projects including collecting, purifying, treating, disposing of water and wastewater, and the methods of dealing with water.
E. Draw terms, standards and special requirements in relation to the preservation of water and water basins, protect them from pollution, and ascertain the safety of water and wastewater structures, and public and private distribution and disposal networks. Take the actions necessary to ensure technical control and supervision, including all necessary tests.
F. Carry out theoretical and applied research and studies regarding water and public wastewater to achieve the Authority's objectives including the preparation of approved water quality standards for different uses and technical specifications concerning materials and construction in order to apply the findings to the Authority's projects in coordination with other concerned departments. Publish the final findings and standards so as to generalize their application by all means available to the Authority.
G. Issue permits to engineers and licensed professionals to perform public water and wastewater works; and participate in organizing special training courses to improve the standard of such works and to reduce water losses and pollution.
H. Regulate the uses of water, prevent its waste, and conserve its consumption. NAME OF INSTITUTION: Royal Scientific Society, Environmental Research Centre (ERC) CONTACT OR DIRECTOR: Mr. Bassam Hayek POSITION TITLE OF CONTACT: Director ADDRESS OF INSTITUTION: P.O. Box 1438, Amman 11941 Jordan TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 5340373 TELEFAX: (+) 962 -6 -5344806 E-MAIL: B.hayek@Rss.jov.jo ACTIVITIES: A. Conducting studies and research related to the protection of the environment.
B. Assessing the state of environment in Jordan and submitting suggestions and recommendations to the concerned authorities.
C. Assessing the quality of surface & groundwater resources in the Kingdom, and evaluating the performance of wastewater treatment plants.
D. Providing specialized training in the environmental field.
E. Proposing standards and participating in drafting legislation related to environmental protection and public health in Jordan.
F. Establishing scientific and technical co-operation links with national, regional and international organizations involved in environmental research. NAME OF INSTITUTION: University of Jordan, Water and Environment Research and Study Centre CONTACT OR DIRECTOR: Mrs. (Dr.) Manar Fayyad POSITION TITLE OF CONTACT: Director ADDRESS OF INSTITUTION: University of Jordan, Amman - Jordan TELEPHONE: (+) 962 - 6 - 5355000/2332 TELEFAX: (+) 962 - 6 - 5355560 E-MAIL: Water1@ju.edu.jo. ACTIVITIES: Research and studies in the following areas:
1. Water resources development and management
2. Environmental pollution control
3. Providing services for public and private sectors in the areas of water engineering design, environmental impact assessment, management of development, and laboratory and field analysis
4. Identifying solutions for water and environmental problems
5. Co-operating with national and international institutions in the areas of water and environment