(Amman, Jordan): Under the patronage of H.E. Dr. Hazim El-Naser, Minister of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and with the attendance of  Ms. Nancy Eslick, Deputy Mission Director of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Yarmouk Water Company (YWC) has announced on Monday, May 8, 2017 the launch of its new strategy and processes in a bid to roll out milestone initiatives to help the utility achieve its vision and improve performance to better provide water and wastewater services in northern governorates of Jordan.

USAID through its Water Management Initiative (WMI) Project is working closely with MWI and the Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) to support YWC as part of the Project’s masterplan to enhance the performance of utility companies in Jordan as well as implement other sector related initiatives.

The event was also attended by WAJ Secretary General Eng. Tawfiq Habashneh, MWI Secretary General Eng. Iyad Dahiyat, Jordan Valley Authority (JVA) Secretary General Eng. Saad Abu Hammour, YWC General Manager Eng. Hassan Hazaymeh, general managers of Miyahuna and Aqaba water utilities, Project Manager of USAID/WMI at MWI Eng. Akram Rabadi, USAID/WMI Chief of Party Mr. Jose Valdez, besides other representatives of MWI, WAJ, JVA, donor agencies, and water utilities.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Dr. Hazim El-Naser said during his speech that the water related challenges have increased beyond capacity particularly in the northern regions where the Kingdom hosted Syrian refugees. He added that such challenges are known to all and that YWC is stressed significantly due to the daily water consumption per capita that stands at 65 liters for the citizens of the northern governorates that was amplified by the 1.5 million Syrian refugees. Recent studies have shown that a single refugee inside the camps consumes 40-50 liters per day that also result in 80% wastewater, which needs to be treated. 

El-Naser also said that MWI is focused on improving the level of services offered to the citizens in the northern governorates through a plethora of projects that will secure additional water to the YWC that are undergoing more demanding circumstances due to the Syrian refugees’ crisis.

El-Naser extended gratitude to the U.S. Government and other donor agencies for continually supporting the MWI in achieving its objectives and enhancing the services and operations of the Jordanian water sector.

During the ceremony, the YWC presented the key modules of its new strategy, processes, and projects. The utility highlighted its first ever business plan that incorporates projects and initiatives aiming to reduce non-revenue water and enhance debt collection in addition to developing workforce and adopting best practices and institutional measures.

The company’s plan was also presented that aims to collect the YWC’s accumulating customer debts. Since its start last October, the plan helped reduce such debts in the amount of JOD 3 million.

Plans to enhance the human resources management and financial state at YWC were also presented as the utility endeavors to become financially self-sufficient by end of 2019 and independently fund its operations.

USAID/WMI presented during the ceremony other initiatives and projects in support of YWC that included developing the organizational restructure, human resources, and financial policies. The Project also highlighted its assistance to YWC in its efforts to collect customer debts by launching a mass media campaign and offering technical assistance to develop collection mechanisms and incentive systems for debt collectors at the company.

USAID/WMI reflected on the joint achievements with YWC to date as well as plans to develop computerized systems that will assist the departments of human resources, finance, administration, and customer service. Over and above, the Project will collaborate with YWC to develop a control center for customer service and network maintenance, in addition to improving work at wastewater treatment plants, and developing the administrative buildings.