Lyonnaise des Eaux, the water division of Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux Group, today announced it has won the water and wastewater management contract for Amman (capital of Jordan) following an international call for tender. Lyonnaise des Eaux is the first international private company to win a water management contract in the country.

The 51-month contract provides for the water and wastewater management and maintenance of the Great Amman territory with 1.6 million inhabitants. The main target is to significantly improve the water distribution by reducing leakage, securing quality supply constancy and operating an efficient customer service.

The World Bank has granted a 55 million dollars loan for the contract duration, to cover investments to rehabilitate the existing water plants and networks and to restructure the water services.

The selected consortium includes Lyonnaise des Eaux (75%) and Montgomery Watson-Arabtech Jardaneh (25%).

Water Supply in Jordan

The Jordan population is expected to rise from 5.3 millions in 2000 to over 8 millions by 2020 thus straining the country water resources. To prevent water shortage, the Jordan authorities are looking for a better use of water for both drinking and irrigation purposes. The Great Amman represents 45% of the country's total drinking water consumption and the emphasis has been given on improving the existing infrastructures and applying a tighter management of the resources. Lyonnaise des Eaux, with its worldwide network of technical research and development (R&D) in water management, will contribute to a rational water cycle management.

Commenting on today's announcement, Gérard Mestrallet, CEO and President of the Executive Board of the Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux Group says: "Today's announcement further strenghtens Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux' position in the Middle East. Since 1996, the company has been managing the water and wastewater services for the Gaza Strip". He adds "The contract for Amman is a major reference in delegated services management in the region where water scarcity represents a barrier to the development of the local economy. Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux looks forward to helping the development of the region by bringing in depth experience to the Middle East".

Suez Lyonnaise des Eaux Group, with its water division Lyonnaise des Eaux, #1 internationally in water management, supplies drinking water to 77 million people and wastewater services to 52 million people.