Project sources say that, under its original bid, the group proposed to deliver 100 million cubic metres a year (cm/y) of water to Amman at a rate in excess of $1 a cubic metre. The government is understood to be seeking a rate of about $0.75 a cubic metre.

The developer team, which includes the US' Black & Veatch International and was supported in its initial bid by a joint venture of Athens-based Consolidated Contractors International Company (CCC)and Turkey's Tekfenas its engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, has also revised its EPC and operation and maintenance (O&M) pricing, as well as aspects of its financial package.

The ministry will take about 10 days to study the revised proposals before meeting with the developer team to discuss the final terms for the 40-year build-operate-transfer (BOT) project, which will nearly double the capacity of Amman's drinking water supply.

The developer team is expected to undergo some significant changes in the coming weeks. Project sources say the team is seeking ministry approval for a plan that will see CCC become an equity partner in the developer group. The size of CCC's stake has to be finalised but is expected to be between 10-20 per cent.

A number of local companies have also expressed interest in becoming co-sponsors, including Arab Bankand Housing Bank for Trade & Finance. Both were part of the Jordan National Consortium for Disi Project (JNCDP) that bid against the Saudi Oger team. Amman has pledged $200 million in funding for the project, which will be released in $50 million tranches.