Amman: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan said Zarqa Governorate's three-year development program, valued at more than JD800 million across all sectors, represents a development partnership between the government and the governorate's representatives, including local bodies, senators, and deputies. During a Sunday Cabinet session held at Zarqa, Hassan affirmed the government's commitment to implementing the program within the designated timeframes and will be held accountable for its progress.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hassan identified healthcare, education, and public transportation as essential service sectors for Zarqa, stating that the government would prioritize them, in line with directives issued by His Majesty King Abdullah II during his visit to the governorate last month. He emphasized the importance of industry and employment as the foundation of the development process, noting these sectors would receive attention alongside other projects currently implemented by various ministries.
The development plan for Zarqa includes 155 projects, of which 75 have been completed, with an overall implementation rate of 77 percent. Hassan announced continued work on the remaining projects and mentioned conducting field visits to more than 18 sites across Zarqa, with plans and project proposals to be announced soon.
In the healthcare sector, the construction of the new Prince Faisal Hospital building in Russeifa is a priority, with a JD9 million project scheduled for completion within three years. In education, four new schools worth JD10 million have been completed, while work continues on seven large schools costing JD15 million, alongside the construction of 500 additional classrooms and renovation of over 25 schools.
Regarding transportation, Hassan mentioned the Amman-Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit system, which has served over 15 million passengers, with plans to extend the service to the Hashemite University within four months. The new Zarqa Industrial Estate, inaugurated last month by His Majesty the King, is the Kingdom's largest industrial city and first green industrial city, with development in three phases and plans to enhance its attractiveness for investment.
Hassan highlighted the need for effective vocational training to prepare workers for employment in strategic projects, which have a broad impact on the economy and employment opportunities across all governorates. He expressed optimism about the national economy's direction, noting improvements in economic indicators, exports, and the financial market, and stated that Jordan had largely contained inflation compared to neighboring countries.
Discussing the recent salary increase, Hassan described it as necessary and consistent with the government's commitments within financial constraints, benefiting many citizens while continuing support through the social protection network. He also addressed the executions carried out, stressing that attacks against security personnel and members of the Jordan Armed Forces are unacceptable. The government plans to amend the law to allow broader application of the death penalty against major drug dealers and smugglers, in coordination with Parliament members.