Ma'an: Following the Prime Minister's visit to Ma'an Governorate, ministers on Sunday reviewed projects completed there last year, as well as ongoing and planned projects aimed at advancing infrastructure, municipal services, water, social development, and energy. According to Jordan News Agency, the Acting Minister of Public Works and Housing, Raed Abu Saud, reported that the ministry completed 19 projects in Ma'an Governorate and is currently implementing four others, including significant road maintenance and rehabilitation efforts across the region.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration, Walid Masri, highlighted projects worth more than JD19 million currently underway, including the rehabilitation of the Ma'an Popular Heritage Market and other service and development initiatives across the governorate. The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, led by Minister Raed Abu Saud, is working on restructuring and rehabilitating Ma'an's water networks, with several projects planned for the coming years to improve water efficiency and address flood impacts.
Minister of Social Development, Wafa Bani Mustafa, announced plans to construct 140 homes for low-income families next year, alongside ongoing support to thousands of families through various aid programs. Furthermore, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, Saleh Kharabsheh, reported efforts to enhance energy efficiency in the governorate, including extending natural gas to the al-Rawda industrial area and replacing street lighting units with energy-efficient alternatives.
The Ministry of Education, under Azmi Mahafzah, is addressing overcrowding by building new schools and expanding existing ones, while Minister of Environment, Ayman Suleiman, is focusing on climate-change resilience and sustainable projects in the region. Health projects include a specialized diabetes and endocrinology center, as reported by Minister of Health, Ibrahim Bdour.
In terms of transport, Minister of Transport and Minister of Labor, Nidal Qatamin, announced the near completion of a tourist train project between Ma'an and Jardan stations, among other infrastructure projects. Labor initiatives include a new garment factory that will employ 400 locals, demonstrating the government's commitment to creating job opportunities in the area.
Tourism efforts, led by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Imad Hijazin, include the ongoing rehabilitation of Ma'an Heritage Market and the development of adventure tourism facilities. Agricultural projects are also in progress, with Minister of Agriculture, Saeb Khreisat, reporting on land reclamation and afforestation initiatives.
The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Supply, Yarub Qudah, outlined industrial support programs that have created hundreds of jobs, while cultural endeavors, spearheaded by Minister of Culture, Mustafa Rawashdeh, include training programs and festival activities to enrich the community's cultural landscape.
Investment incentives for al-Rawda Industrial City were approved, according to Minister of Investment, Tareq Abu Ghazaleh, aiming to boost economic activities in the region. Additionally, Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Mohammad Khalayleh, emphasized the ministry's focus on job creation and income sustainability through various rehabilitation projects.
Minister of Youth, Raed Adwan, and Acting Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Badriya Balbisi, reported ongoing maintenance of sports facilities and digital skills programs, respectively, supporting the development of local talent and infrastructure. The Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, led by Chair Adnan Sawair, continues to implement projects across several axes, fostering tourism growth and biodiversity conservation.
Ma'an Governor Khaled Hajjaj emphasized the collaborative nature of development efforts, urging for continued projects and improvements across various sectors. Local representatives echoed these sentiments, calling for expanded initiatives in education, infrastructure, and economic development to further enhance the quality of life in Ma'an Governorate.