SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY WATER PROJECT

IMPLEMENTATION IN JORDAN
Christopher Handino
Sanitary Engineering, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Bandung Institute of Technology, Indonesia

Abstract From 1998 to 2004 the authors participated in a water management projectin the central Jordan
Valley focused on community participation in the design and installation of an integrated zero effluent
septage treatment facility and farming operation. This chapter begins with a summary of the water
management context in Jordan and internationally. The participatory methodology employed in the
project, including the sustainable community model guiding the project, is outlined and the major
activities associated with the project and the community outcomes achieved, are discussed. Finally, the
lessons learned, including participation in project design, management and facility ownership and
operation; water privatization, pricing and valuation; women and water, cultural versus technical
approaches to water management and the role of the professional in community water management are
discussed. Our experience suggests the need to adopt a new paradigm in water management whereby all
actors engineers and technicians, community process facilitators, local authorities, other levels of
government and the communitywork in partnership. To date, decentralization has focused on the
technical requirements and economic advantages of decentralized technologies. This project highlights
the equally important cultural, social and political dimensions of successful water management
decentralization.

Key Issue Jordan sits strategically at the crossroads of the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe, in the
Levant area of the Fertile Crescent, a cradle of civilization. It is 89,341 square kilometres (34,495 sq mi)
large, and 400 kilometres (250 mi) long between its northernmost and southernmost points; Umm Qais
and Aqaba respectively. The east is an arid plateau irrigated by oases and seasonal water streams. Major
cities are overwhelmingly located on the north-western part of the kingdom due to its fertile soils and
relatively abundant rainfall. Life expectancy in Jordan is around 74.6 years. The leading cause of death is
cardiovascular diseases, followed by cancer. Childhood immunization rates have increased steadily over
the past 15 years; by 2002 immunizations and vaccines reached more than 95% of children under five.
Water and sanitation, available to only 10% of the population in 1950, now reach 98% of Jordanians.
Jordan prides itself on its health services, some of the best in the region. Qualified medics, favorable
investment climate and Jordan's stability has contributed to the success of this sector. The country's health
care system is divided between public and private institutions.

Key Findings Solar pumping systems typically consist of a photovoltaic array, power conditioning
equipment, electric motor, and pump. Generally, solar conditions in Africa are most favorable for solar
pumping systems, however there are some exceptions. Professional expertise is needed for design and
installation of equipment. Solar powered water pumps can deliver drinking water as well as water for
livestock or irrigation purposes. Solar water pumps may be especially useful in small scale or community
based irrigation, as large scale irrigation requires large volumes of water that in turn require a large solar
PV array. As the water may only be required during some parts of the year, a large PV array would
provide excess energy that is not necessarily required, thus making the system inefficient. The majority of
the pumps are fitted with a 2000 watt - 3,700 watt motor that receives energy from a 4,800 Wp PV array.
The 5hp systems can deliver about 124,000 liters of water/day from a total of 50 meters setoff head and
70 meters dynamic head.
Summary Solar pump is very suitable for areas that have the capacity sufficient sunlight, the country has
the conditions in the area were very supportive of this technology. The advantages are low costs for
operation (no fuel needed), maintenance, and repairs, unattended operation, and high reliability for power
supply (solar array) although energy (sun) can vary over the short term. The disadvantages are relatively
high capital costs, water only available during daytime unless storage tank is provided, and very limited
availability of equipment and spare parts.

References
Garn, Harvey A., 1997 Lessons from Large-Scale Rural Water and Sanitation Projects: Transition and
Innovation. Transport, Water and Urban Department. World Bank
Gichuri, Wambui, 1995 "Self Help Initiatives in Kenya's Water Sector." UNDP-World Bank Water and
Sanitation Program, Regional Water and Sanitation Group -- East Africa.
Katz, Travis with Jennifer Sara, Mario Nuez and Kihoon Lee, 1997 The Impact of Institutional Rules
on the Sustainability of Rural Water Supply Systems: Honduras Country Report. Prepared as part
of RWS Global Study. UNDP-World Bank Water and Sanitation Program. Washington, DC.
Kessides, Chirstine, 1997 World Bank Experience with the Provision of Infrastructure Services for the
Urban Poor: Preliminary Identification and Review of Best Practices. General Operational
Review. Transport, Water and Urban Department, the World Bank. Washington, D.C.

Appendix