Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration Waleed Al-Masri stated on Monday that identifying landslide-prone areas, construction-prohibited zones, and mining areas falls outside the scope and authority of municipal councils, belonging instead to specialized scientific and technical bodies.
اضافة اعلان
During a House of Representatives session to discuss the draft Local Administration Law of 2026, Al-Masri explained that the responsibility for determining geological and topographical conditions and landslide-prone zones was transferred from the Natural Resources Authority to the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission. He noted that these tasks require experts and specialized equipment that municipalities do not possess.
Regarding complaints from residents in the Al-Taybeh area, Al-Masri said the ministry referred the complaint raised by the municipality to the Royal Scientific Society, which identified a specific area as landslide-prone, posing a risk to residents' safety.
He added that the ministry addressed the National Building Council—responsible for the safety of structures during or after construction—which visited the site. Al-Masri noted he requested the Minister of Public Works and Housing, who serves as Chairman of the National Building Council, to convene a meeting with approximately 15 entities, including university academics, the Royal Scientific Society, and several ministries, to discuss solutions.
Al-Masri emphasized that a solution cannot be determined until the National Building Council meets and issues its decision regarding the land's suitability for construction, necessary precautions, or required interventions.
He pointed out that the area includes public services, schools, health centers, and residences, necessitating a cautious approach until a clear conclusion is reached.
Al-Masri added that Jordan contains several areas that have experienced landslides and collapses, citing locations in Karak, Wadi Shueib, and Al-Adasiyah along the Dead Sea Road, as well as areas along the Jerash Road and beyond the Jerash Bridge. He stressed that decisions regarding these areas are made by specialized scientific and technical authorities, not municipal councils.
He highlighted that competent authorities handling this file include the National Building Council and the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission, which succeeded the Natural Resources Authority in certain jurisdictions.
The House of Representatives approved Article 1 of the draft Local Administration Law, settling the debate over its effective date by setting it at 60 days following its publication in the Official Gazette.
The Council also passed five articles of the draft Local Administration Law during Monday's session.
