Jordan | Dam Safety Committee: Our dams are ready and safe to receive the next rainy season

2024-09-25 2024-09-25T09:45:39Z

Arab Weather - The National Committee for Dam Safety announced in its latest report the readiness of dams to receive the quantities of water flowing during the upcoming rainy season 2024/2025, after conducting field visits to all dam sites in various regions of the Kingdom.

The committee submitted its recommendations to the Minister of Water and Irrigation, stressing the readiness of these vital water facilities to receive rain. The Ministry of Water and Irrigation/Jordan Valley Authority pointed out the strategic importance of dams, especially in light of the increasing water challenges and climate changes affecting the entire world, and the resulting decline and fluctuation of rainfall, which affects the limited surface and groundwater resources.

Dams and their role in facing water challenges

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation/Jordan Valley Authority confirmed that dams are vital water facilities, especially with the continuous population increase and economic recovery, in addition to national trends that aim to enhance reliance on agriculture to achieve food security according to the economic modernization vision. The ministry explained that efforts are ongoing to increase the storage capacity of dams and maximize the benefit from rainwater after completing all necessary maintenance work and ensuring the readiness of dams to receive the rainy season.

The importance of dams in securing water needs

The Ministry of Water and Irrigation stressed that the water stored in dams constitutes a major source for securing drinking water and irrigating crops, in addition to supplying groundwater with a renewable stock.

The Ministry also confirmed that it regularly monitors the operation of the dams to ensure their continued operation, and carries out the necessary periodic maintenance of the dam facilities to ensure their ability to withstand floods and heavy rainfall.

The role of the National Committee for Dam Safety

The National Dam Safety Committee, which includes experts in water and engineering, is responsible for field inspections of dams and nearby valleys. The committee has conducted surveys to ensure the effectiveness of dams and their readiness to receive flood waters during rainy seasons, while monitoring dam flow and analyzing water discharge data on an ongoing basis. The committee works to ensure the flow of information to the main operations and control center at the ministry, the National Crisis Management Center and relevant authorities to take appropriate action in a timely manner.

Emergency plans and water budgets

The Minister of Water and Irrigation, Eng. Raed Abu Al-Saud, issued instructions to all workers in the water sector to deal responsibly and professionally to implement the plans drawn up to confront emergency situations or floods that may result from heavy rains. The operations and control rooms at the ministry’s center have been equipped to monitor the water situation on a regular basis. The Jordan Valley Authority also conducts periodic maintenance of the dams annually and implements engineering recommendations to ensure their continued efficient operation in the face of increasing climate challenges.

Current status of dam storage

The total storage of dams in the Kingdom until Wednesday , September 25, 2024, amounted to about 73 million cubic meters , equivalent to a total storage rate of 25.4%. This compares to a storage volume of 75 million cubic meters in the same period last year, at a rate of 26%. The Ministry continues to implement emergency plans to secure the greatest possible benefit from the rainy season to ensure the provision of water for all uses.

The role of dams in sustainable development

Dams are one of the pillars of strategic water security in the Kingdom, as they play an important role in achieving sustainable economic development. These facilities are strategic water structures that support the Kingdom’s vision to achieve sustainable development through effective management of water resources, especially in light of rapid climate changes that require the development of emergency plans to confront floods and increasing water flows.