German Grant to Improve Jordan Water Supply Strains Near Syria

Germany has granted Jordan, where Syrian refugees in the north are straining water and health resources, funds to upgrade its water network and drill new wells.

Most of the 10 million-euro ($12.4 million) pledge by Development Minister Dirk Niebel during a visit to Jordan will go to strengthen water mains, dig wells and boost the number of water tankers, the Economic Cooperation and Development Ministry in Berlin said yesterday in a statement.

At least 150,000 Syrians fleeing their country’s civil conflict have come to Jordan since May 2011, according to the government. That’s put pressure on authorities to secure water supplies that are already limited for both local residents and the refugees, Water and Irrigation Minister Mohammad Najjar said at the grant-signing ceremony.

To contact the reporter on this story: Randall Hackley in Zurich at rhackley@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story: Randall Hackley at rhackley@bloomberg.net