Germany-based Grohe has launched the first of its 'Water for Life' projects in Jordan, by partnering with Friends of the Earth Middle East (FoEME) to provide water to local Bedouin families living near the Sharhabil Bin Hassneh Ecopark.

Following the formation of the EcoPark, the Bedouin families were no longer allowed access to the park to collect water from the dam, for both for their animals and their own use, a statement from the company said. The completion of the project has allowed these families to be connected to fresh water supplies, whilst allowing the EcoPark to thrive.

The project, which began in November 2012, has seen Grohe install pumps, piping, water meters and fixtures to provide easy access to water for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Previously, the families needed to walk or drive to fill water containers daily for drinking purposes, and would need to buy larger water tanks for washing and other domestic uses, the statement said.

The initiative is part of Grohe's global water conservation initiative Watercare and is one of many regional implementations throughout the Middle East. The Green Mosque project has already been activated in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Syria and Jordan, providing water-saving faucets to ablution rooms - successfully managing to reduce excess water consumption in these areas.

Simon G Shaya, general manager and president at Grohe East Mediterranean, Middle East and Africa, said: "We are delighted to have partnered with Friends of the Earth Middle East to provide the Bedouin families with irrigation and portable water solutions. By supporting this community, we are helping to preserve the Jordanian heritage and alleviate their water concerns.”

“We hope that the success of this pilot ‘Water for Life’ project will be able to transcend to other countries within the Middle East as part of our ongoing commitment to Grohe Watercare."

Abdel Rahman M H Sultan, director’s assistant of technical issues and parks manager, FoEME, said: "We would like to thank Grohe for choosing the Sharhabil Bin Hassneh Ecopark as their first location for this fantastic initiative. The installations have not only helped these families immensely, but have improved their day-to-day quality of life, and for that we are all extremely grateful. We look forward to continuing our relationship with Grohe, and working on future projects together." – TradeArabia News Service