Amman: Ministers on Sunday outlined major completed and planned infrastructure, investment, and public-service projects during a Cabinet session held in Zarqa Governorate.
According to Jordan News Agency, Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud stated that the ministry is implementing a JD51 million wastewater treatment plant in Ghabawi and a JD31 million transmission pipeline connecting the Ain Ghazal and Khirbet Al-Samra treatment plants. Additionally, plans are underway to construct a JD180 million wastewater treatment plant in Wadi Zarqa by 2028, alongside efforts to rehabilitate water networks across several parts of the governorate. These rehabilitation projects aim to enhance water supplies for approximately 43,000 subscribers.
Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abu Samen reported the completion of infrastructure, road, and station works for the Amman-Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit project, at a cost exceeding JD68 million. Current and planned road projects include maintenance of key highways and a JD3.75 million freight route linking the Azraq-Muwaqqar and Azraq-Safawi roads.
Acting Minister of Investment Muhannad Shehadeh highlighted the ongoing first-phase infrastructure works at Zarqa Industrial Estate, with an estimated cost of JD21.5 million. Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh announced a JD28 million project to supply natural gas to the industrial estate, expected to be completed in 2029. The ministry also supports solar-energy and energy-efficiency projects targeting homes, farms, factories, municipalities, and government hospitals.
Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour revealed government plans to build a 400-bed military hospital in Zarqa, estimated at JD102 million, with an anticipated completion in 2032. The ministry is also expanding Prince Faisal Hospital, enhancing Zarqa Government Hospital's intensive care capacity, and developing new health centers and outpatient facilities.
Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman discussed projects aimed at reducing hydrofluorocarbon consumption, monitoring air and water quality, preventing illegal waste disposal, and rehabilitating the Azraq wetlands. Furthermore, the ministry is creating a 500-dunum forest with at least 20,000 trees and plans to establish an environmental park in Birayn.
Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar stated that vocational training, employment, and financing programs are being expanded to boost job creation. This includes a planned production facility in Birayn expected to create 150 jobs. Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Muhannad Shehadeh also mentioned industrial-support programs foreseen to generate more than 1,100 jobs through current and upcoming phases.