Irbid (April 16) – USAID awarded a total of $880,000 to 28 charitable and cooperative organizations at a granting ceremony in Irbid today. The funds will allow the installation of 44 rainwater-harvesting cisterns and other community-based water projects in northern Jordan.

These efforts build on the recent installation of rainwater-harvesting cisterns in 221 locations in north Jordan, as well as the rehabilitation of the Jaber Pump Station in support of Yarmouk Water Company, which was unveiled today. The station will provide 195 cubic meters per hour of freshwater for 58,000 residents in the Irbid  Governorate and brings total USAID contributions to community-based water projects in the northern governorates to $1.4 million.

“USAID remains committed to working with communities and local organizations to alleviate water scarcity and meet ever-increasing demand,” said Mission Director Beth Paige. “The grants awarded today will allow communities to take a leading role in responding to their water needs.”

These activities fall under the Community-Based Initiatives for Water Demand Management (CBIWDM) Project, funded by USAID and implemented by Mercy Corps. This partnership has been building the capacity of community-based organizations since 2006 to address water scarcity and raise the efficiency of water usage in rural areas.