His Majesty King Abdullah on Saturday issued a directive to form a Royal committee to develop the water sector in the Kingdom and to establish a viable water management system.

The new panel, headed by His Royal Highness Prince Feisal, will coordinate its work with the concerned agencies, according to a letter His Majesty addressed to Prime Minister Nader Dahabi.

Noting that Jordan faces strategic challenges pertaining to the water sector, His Majesty said water scarcity poses an obstacle to development plans related to industries and various other sectors that require consistent water supply.

The new committee would make sure that water share for individuals and corporations is fair, in order to meet household, industrial and agricultural needs, the letter said.

In addition, the panel is tasked with working out an efficient water resource management system that ensures “rational water usage”. It is also expected to work on expanding the Kingdom's water storage capacity, the King said in his letter to the premier.

The King underlined the need to study and develop alternative water projects, such as desalination and treatment to enhance water sources, the letter stated.

The King urged the committee to benefit from the international experience in this regard. In addition, he said the panel should periodically revise relevant legislation in order to create a better environment that encourages the private sector to invest in water management and development.

The letter listed the names of committee members as the ministers of water and irrigation, agriculture and environment, along with the director of the Economic Department at the Royal Court, Bishr Jardaneh, Suleiman Ghzawi, Ayman Bani Hani, Abdullah Malkawi, Elias Salameh, Tareq Abu Dueis and Raed Zreikat.