The Water Authority of Jordan (WAJ) has launched the prequalification process for the Design, Build and Operate (DBO) contract of the Wadi Zarqa Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Phase 1, a key project aimed at expanding wastewater treatment capacity and improving environmental management in the Zarqa and Mafraq governorates.
The tender notice was published in the Official Journal of the European Union (TED) on 23 October 2025. The project will be financed by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and procured in line with the EIB Guide to Procurement.
Two-phase implementation
The Wadi Zarqa WWTP will be implemented in two phases to accommodate future growth in wastewater flows.
- Phase 1, now under tender, will provide a treatment capacity of 150,000 cubic metres a day (m³/d) by 2030.
- Phase 2 will add another 200,000 m³/d, bringing the total treatment capacity to 350,000 m³/d by 2034–2035.
The scope of the Phase 1 DBO contract covers the design, permitting, supply, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and transfer of the plant and associated facilities. It also includes:
- Construction of a 12km conveyance pipeline (estimated diameter up to 1,600mm) linking the West Zarqa Pump Station (WZPS) to the new treatment plant
- Expansion of the pre-treatment facility at WZPS
- Installation of an approximately 1.4MW hydropower unit for energy recovery
Procurement details
The tender is being conducted through an open procedure, currently at the prequalification stage. The process is open to both local and international contractors with relevant experience in wastewater treatment plant design and operation.
Participation is permitted either as individual entities or through joint ventures (JVs) of up to three members. Only prequalified applicants will be invited to submit detailed technical and financial bids in the next phase.
