Prime Minister Jafar Hassan stated that the government has a developmental executive program for the Zarqa Governorate costing more than 800 million Jordanian Dinars. Spanning over three years and covering various sectors, he emphasized that it is a highly ambitious program representing a developmental partnership between the government and the governorate's representatives, including local bodies, senators, and MPs. He affirmed that the government is committed to it and will be held accountable for its implementation within the specified timelines.
اضافة اعلان
Speaking during the Cabinet session held in Zarqa on Sunday, the Prime Minister added that health, education, and public transport are essential service sectors for the Zarqa Governorate and will be heavily focused on, in line with the directives of His Majesty the King during his visit to the governorate last month.
The Prime Minister pointed out that industry and employment are "the other face of development and the foundation of the developmental process," stressing that there will be a significant focus on these two sectors alongside other sectors that various ministries are working on.
He explained that the developmental vision for Zarqa Governorate includes 155 projects, 75 of which have been fully completed, bringing the overall completion rate to 77%, noting that work is underway to execute the remaining projects.
He mentioned that he has visited more than 18 sites in Zarqa Governorate, and the government has ideas and plans for projects that will be announced soon and moved into implementation.
Key Sector Highlights
Health Sector
The Prime Minister emphasized that constructing the new building for Prince Faisal Hospital in Ruseifa is a priority. He noted that the tender has been awarded and preliminary works began weeks ago, with completion expected within the next three years at a cost of 9 million dinars.
Education Sector
He pointed out that four new schools have been completed at a cost of 10 million dinars, including two schools that can accommodate approximately 1,000 students each. He noted that work is currently underway to establish seven large new schools at a cost of 15 million dinars, alongside 500 additional classrooms and maintenance work for more than 25 schools.
Public Transport
He noted that the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system between Amman and Zarqa has transported more than 15 million passengers since its operation began. He revealed that additional plans are in place to extend the line to reach the Hashemite University within the next four months, which will help resolve transportation issues for students.
Industrial Sector
Regarding the industrial sector, the Prime Minister stated that the new Zarqa Industrial City, which His Majesty the King inaugurated a month ago, is the largest industrial city and the first green industrial city in the Kingdom. It will be developed across three phases, with ongoing efforts to enhance its appeal to absorb investments, provide employment opportunities, and accommodate appropriate industries.
He added that the tender for the project to supply the industrial city in Zarqa with natural gas was awarded last week and will be implemented in the coming period. This will pave the way for launching investments as quickly as possible, emphasizing that this is "essential to increase its attractiveness to investors."
The Prime Minister noted that strategic projects have a significant impact on the economy and employment opportunities across all governorates, not just in a specific governorate or region. He highlighted the importance of vocational training actively preparing qualified professionals capable of working efficiently in these projects.
Economic Outlook
On the economic front, the Prime Minister stated that the government is "optimistic that our economy is moving in the right direction." He added that despite all the surrounding challenges, Jordan has managed over the past period to stay focused on its priorities and on serving its citizens.
He confirmed that economic growth is on the rise, and that figures, indicators, exports, and the financial market are all improving. He noted that the government has managed, as much as possible, to contain the effects of inflation compared to surrounding countries and the rest of the world.
The Prime Minister concluded by stating that the latest decision was "a necessity and a commitment within our limited capabilities" and will help many citizens, pointing out that the government seeks through the social safety net to protect the largest possible number of targeted segments of citizens.