Amman: The Ministry of Interior Saturday launched a project for the restoration and development of the King Hussein Bridge with a Canadian government grant in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
According to Jordan News Agency, in a ceremony attended by Canadian Ambassador Tariq Ali Khan, Director of UNODC in Jordan Amjad Adarbeh, officials, and representatives of security agencies, Interior Minister Mazen Faraya announced the project kick-off despite current security challenges, emphasizing Jordan’s commitment to vital projects that enhance security and provide facilities at border crossings.
He acknowledged Canada’s support in development, defense, security, and women’s empowerment, highlighting the longstanding partnership between the two countries. The rehabilitation aims to ease travel for Palestinians from the West Bank and Jerusalem, acknowledging the bridge’s importance as the only outlet for Palestinians to the outside world and a key passageway for pilgrims.
Faraya explained that the project is part of a comprehensive government plan to upgrade the border crossing’s infrastructure, including constructing a new reception center, expanding cargo terminals, and developing a road network.
The Canadian Ambassador reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting humanitarian and development efforts in Jordan and the region, praising the Kingdom’s humanitarian aid delivery to the Gaza Strip, including contributions from Jordanian crossings and United Nations partners.
The project, funded at 3.4 million Canadian dollars, includes aid corridors and training facilities to enhance staff capacity to meet growing needs, with a partnership involving the United Nations and local Jordanian authorities.
The UNODC director stated that the project addresses a pressing need to develop the King Hussein Bridge as a vital crossing point with security and humanitarian implications. It aims to boost the capacity of agencies at the center, improve infrastructure and facilities, and enhance institutional cooperation between partners.
Adarbeh highlighted that UNODC has been collaborating with the Jordanian government for years on initiatives to combat organized cr