Amman: Mayor of Greater Amman Yousef Shawarbeh announced that the municipality has initiated a new phase of re-engineering procedures following the near-completion of service automation, with the goal of simplifying processes, reducing bureaucracy, and expediting decision-making. The initiative is set to improve efficiency, transparency, and governance for both citizens and investors.
According to Jordan News Agency, Shawarbeh, speaking at a joint meeting hosted by the Jordanian Businessmen Association and the European Chamber of Commerce, detailed the municipality's implementation of its 2022-2027 strategic plan. This plan is in alignment with Royal directives and focuses on enhancing quality of life, infrastructure, and environmental standards, while also developing an integrated investment framework. The plan relies on legislative reforms and partnerships with the private sector to launch projects that stimulate economic growth and create jobs.
Shawarbeh highlighted that the municipality's budget stands at approximately JD 480 million, with the Greater Amman Municipality Law of 2021 providing a framework to streamline procedures and facilitate effective public-private partnerships. Recent legislative updates enable direct investment partnerships and the establishment of specialized municipal companies to accelerate project implementation and improve operational efficiency.
The mayor also emphasized the role of several wholly owned municipal companies, such as Amman Vision Investment and Development, Amman Vision Transport Company, and Amman Vision Treatment and Recycling Company. These entities focus on urban project development, public transportation modernization, and waste-to-energy initiatives, respectively.
The municipality's asset portfolio is valued at around JD 2 billion, with JD 1 billion in investable assets dedicated to strategic projects in public transport, infrastructure, waste management, and urban development. These projects aim to attract investment and enhance Amman's status as an economic hub.
High-priority projects include the modernization of the Amman Central Slaughterhouse and Central Market, which aim to improve services and infrastructure while creating more than 9,000 jobs, thus supporting youth employment and sustainable economic growth.
Shawarbeh added that the municipality is utilizing technology and data through control centers and smart systems to enhance urban and traffic management, highlighting that smart city transformation relies on integrated public-private partnerships. Future focus areas include public transport development, modern waste management, digital service expansion, and investor incentives.
The commitment to fast-tracking strategic projects with private sector partners was reiterated by the mayor, who stressed its importance for sustainable urban development and Amman's role as a regional economic hub.
Ayman Alawneh, President of the Jordanian Businessmen Association, lauded the municipality's leadership in sustainable urban development and its impact on governance, efficiency, and investment promotion. He emphasized that municipal projects in various sectors stimulate the national economy and attract investment.
Ali Murad, President of the European Chamber of Commerce in Jordan, noted that activities with the Jordanian-European Businessmen Association enhance private sector partnerships and the investment environment. He stressed the importance of European investment for economic integration and job creation, and acknowledged the municipality's efforts in creating a favorable investment climate through infrastructure development and streamlined business procedures.