Wastewater Treatment National Plan for Operation and Maintenance 2015.

This sectoral Policy is an integral part of the National Water Strategy 2016-2025. Main goal of the document is to increase the reuse of treated wastewater as an additional resource to improve the efficient use of water. Achieving the goal requires a series of interventions, in particular (i) higher level of professional expertise in WWTP process control, in particular when using anaerobic sludge stabilization; (ii) adequate funds for O&M budgets including external support form funding agencies and the private sector; (iii) incentive system working on bonus-malus basis, covering personnel and companies; and (iv) effective monitoring system to control and steer the WWTP operations.
The Plan envisages different options applicable within the existing legal and regulatory framework with different level of private sector involvement. The most appropriate one depends on the specific situation in a certain region or Governorate.
The proposed future concept and way forward is basically embarking on a parallel three track approach as follows (i) short term, investment driven track, based on the present system, with the objective to avoid operational problems when constructing new or rehabilitating existing WWTP and introducing advanced technologies by including a minimum 2-year O&M period in the construction contracts; (ii) medium term (min. 5 years), capacity development and knowledge driven track to improve professional knowledge of existing WWTP personnel, introducing performance criteria and standards, and developing incentive schemes through the establishment of Regional Technical Support Centers located in each of the three water companies (Miyahuna, Aqaba Water Company and Yarmouk Water Company); and (iii) envisaging the complete O&M and possibly part of the investment by private sector companies in selected areas (YWC) to facilitate the introduction of advanced treatment technologies (anaerobic) sludge stabilization in medium sized WWTP’s.
To increase the resilience of livelihoods to disasters, the Plan encourages the introduction of a more advanced technology through anaerobic sludge stabilization to increase operational efficiency and contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and the electricity consumption in a plant.