Restoring an invaluable historic landmark and tackling the Kingdom's pressing water challenges
Amman, 16 March 2013 - Under the patronage of the Jordan Valley Authority's (JVA) Secretary General H.E. Eng. Saad Abu Hammour, the Ministry of Water and Irrigation (MWI) and PepsiCo-Jordan[m1] jointly inaugurated the ancient Roman pond in Al-Jeezeh. In line with PepsiCo-Jordan's partnership agreement with the MWI, this project is the first of many which fall under Jordan's nationwide Positive Water Balance Project.
The inauguration was attended by H.E. Eng. Abu Hammour; PepsiCo Middle East & Africa President Sanjeev Chadha; PepsiCo-Jordan General Manager Eng. Nidal Hamam; the Company's Quality Control and Production Manager Eng. Amjad Amireh.
In addition to funding this project, PepsiCo-Jordan has also covered the entire construction costs of the Wadi Al-Ahmar dam project in Tafileh, which boasts a water capacity of 200,000 sqm. The Wadi Al-Ahmar dam is aimed at collecting rainwater using advanced water harvesting techniques, subsequently contributing to local community development in the area and rehabilitating the ecosystems affected by climate change.
To ensure its sustainability, the project is owned by the Government of Jordan and is designed in a manner that allows rainwater to reach the pond without interfering with any nearby privately-owned properties. A total of 60,000 sqm of Wadi Al-Jeezeh rainwater will be collected from a 280 km2 harvesting area, ensuring that the pond remains filled to its maximum capacity, hence benefiting farmers and livestock breeders in the area.
This national project reached a total cost of JD 73,000, including design, supervision and implementation. It was completed in only 45 days, which is a testament to all involved parties' dedicated efforts and unwavering commitment to top-notch occupational standards.
During the inauguration, H.E. Eng. Abu Hammour stated, "This project was aimed at preserving and protecting this ancient historic Roman site from the negative impact of climate elements, as well as meeting the various water and agricultural needs of Al-Jeezeh's residents and livestock breeders. Under this project, the pond has been restored through recollecting flood waters, which have been cut off for three years, by connecting two parallel cement pipelines to water tunnels between the main valley and the pond, in addition to excavation and filling works."
In turn, Eng. Hamam commented, "At PepsiCo-Jordan, we fully recognize the essential role of private sector companies in actively supporting environmental sustainability projects, particularly in light of Jordan's pressing water challenges. The time has come for each and every one of us to take it upon ourselves to address these challenges, and it is imperative that all companies take a stance and join forces with public and private sector organizations to build and develop our country. We are pleased to have launched this project and we look forward to seeing positive results in the near future. We remain committed to carrying out other projects that benefit Jordan's economy and citizens."
On behalf of the MWI, H.E. Eng. Abu Hammour thanked the public and private sector organizations that contributed to restoring and reviving this ancient pond.
This press release has been distributed by Bidaya Corporate Communications on behalf of PepsiCo-Jordan.For more information or assistance, please contact us at:
Tel: +962 6 5692008/9
Fax: +962 6 5692007
P.O. Box: 930391, Amman 11193, Jordan
Email: media@bidayacorp.com
[m1]Hyperlink to www.pepsiarabia.com
© Press Release 2013
