The Council of Ministers began its session in Karak Governorate, chaired by Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan, with the participation of representatives of elected and local bodies in the governorate.
اضافة اعلان
During the session, the Prime Minister said that the completion rate of projects committed to by the government under Karak’s development vision has reached 85%, stressing that they will be fully completed during this year and next. He noted that the total cost amounts to JD 266 million, in addition to JD 13 million for additional projects that have achieved completion rates exceeding 70%. The total number of projects in the governorate stands at 158, all of which are being followed up by the relevant ministries.
Hassan emphasized that all projects implemented by the government or the Royal Hashemite Court come under the direct directives and personal attention of His Majesty King Abdullah II toward Karak Governorate.
Restoring Karak Castle Wall and Developing the City Center
The Prime Minister said that necessary measures have been taken to rebuild the wall of Karak Castle, noting that one of the Ministry of Tourism’s priorities in the coming months is to complete the required studies to restore the damaged sections.
He explained that the development of Karak Castle falls within a broader project directed by His Majesty the King, in cooperation with the Royal Initiatives at the Royal Hashemite Court, as part of a comprehensive plan to revitalize Karak City. The plan includes the rehabilitation and maintenance of the castle, development of the city center, Wadi Bin Hammad, Al-Baraka site, Karak Gate, the establishment of a cable car departure station reaching the Panorama site, and the preservation of heritage houses, at a total cost of approximately JD 10 million.
Roads and Infrastructure Projects
Hassan noted that the Al-Kharza–Jordan Valley road is a recurring demand by residents of the governorate, indicating that work is underway to complete it during the current year. He also referred to efforts to address damage in the Iraq area and the Wadi Al-Mujib bridge, as well as improving rainwater drainage mechanisms at several locations.
He further announced that work will begin in the coming weeks on the development of the Battle of Mu’ta site (the archaeological landmark), covering an area of 75 dunums.
Employment Opportunities and Industrial Investments
The Prime Minister stressed that the top priority for citizens is employment, affirming that economic development and investment in the governorates are the primary means of creating job opportunities.
He explained that 18 companies benefited from government incentives in the King Hussein bin Abdullah II Industrial City, with investments totaling about JD 27 million last year. Of these, eight factories have already started operations, eight are under construction this year, one factory is completing environmental requirements, and another agreement is set to be signed by the end of the current month.
These investments are expected to provide between 300 and 400 job opportunities for residents of the governorate.
Hassan also announced the opening of a food industries factory at a cost of JD 5 million, with a JD 2 million government contribution, in addition to two new factories scheduled to open this year.
In support of investment, he revealed an agreement to provide additional support of no less than JD 7 million to expand an industrial complex in the Qatraneh area, which will create around 2,000 job opportunities. He noted that the Ministry of Labor will provide the necessary training and ensure suitable working conditions.
He added that 220 jobs were created last year following the establishment of a production branch for a garment manufacturing company in the Mujib area, stressing ongoing efforts to attract further investments.
New Schools and Health Projects
The Prime Minister said the government completed the construction of five schools in Karak last year, with another five to be completed this year, and 12 more to be built over the next two years, bringing the total number of new schools to 22.
In the health sector, he pointed to plans to construct a new outpatient clinics building at Karak Governmental Hospital at a cost of JD 5 million, establish an advanced emergency and ambulance center north of Karak at a cost of JD 7 million, and expand three health centers, all to be completed within the next two years.
Resolving Long-Stalled Projects
Hassan emphasized that the government has worked to complete projects that had been stalled for years, including the opening of Prince Faisal Youth City about three months ago after completing it within just one year, the operation of the new Karak complex for external travel services, and allocating a government building abandoned since 2016 to Mu’tah University to serve as the headquarters for the Faculty of Dentistry. He also cited the completion of the development of the Qatraneh archaeological castle and the establishment of a visitors’ center.
Decision to Settle Universities’ Dues
At the conclusion of his remarks, the Prime Minister announced that the Council of Ministers will take a decision today to settle dues owed to public universities exceeding JD 100 million, as part of a government plan to pay off all accumulated arrears over the past ten years.
