Ajloun: Prime Minister Jafar Hassan delivered a substantive policy address during Tuesday’s Cabinet session in Ajloun Governorate, offering a detailed exposition on the contested Buildings and Lands Law while unveiling an extensive developmental framework for the northern region. In his remarks regarding the Buildings and Lands legislation, Hassan categorically refuted speculation about increased taxation, emphasizing that “there is absolutely no intention to raise taxes on citizens.”
According to Jordan News Agency, the Prime Minister articulated that the government remains committed to pursuing systemic tax reforms aimed at curbing evasion and avoidance practices to bolster economic stability and fiscal equity, while explicitly stating that such measures “do not entail additional tax burdens on the citizenry.” The Premier elucidated that the legislative initiative, which modernizes a 71-year-old statute, was specifically designed to streamline processes for citizens and resolve longstanding regulatory infractions, rather than augment property-related fiscal obligations.
He clarified that the updated framework aims to align with contemporary legislative and technical standards, eliminate distortions in valuation assessments, and ensure equitable treatment among citizens, reiterating that “no increases in taxes or fees will be imposed under this legislation, which will be implemented with transparency and fairness.” Addressing the public discourse surrounding the draft law, Hassan acknowledged the significance of the debate, including misconceptions and misinterpretations, while pledging full governmental cooperation with the House of Representatives to “eliminate ambiguities, reaffirm the law’s objectives and rationale, and enhance its provisions to maximize public benefit and fulfill our commitments to citizens.”
Highlighting the administration’s economic governance record, the Prime Minister disclosed that since assuming office seven months ago, the government has enacted over 90 economic decisions designed to alleviate citizen burdens, provide solutions to pressing challenges, stimulate growth indicators, and revitalize economic sectors. “These initiatives have encompassed support for industries and productive enterprises, enhanced incentives within development zones to attract investment to governorates for job creation, establishment of agro-industrial and food production zones, implementation of tax settlements, exemptions for residential apartments and buildings, disbursement of long-delayed tax refunds, and numerous other measures that have facilitated citizens’ affairs that were previously unaddressed,” Hassan detailed.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to this approach, stating: “This constitutes our methodology and obligation, which we shall persist in until the targeted objectives within the modernization program are achieved.” Hassan underscored the administration’s determination to execute the economic modernization vision, emphasizing that the government “will neither remain passive nor defer necessary measures to resolve citizens’ difficulties, safeguard the economy, and secure the future of citizens and youth without resorting to populist rhetoric.”
Turning to regional development, the Prime Minister outlined an ambitious portfolio of initiatives for Ajloun Governorate, noting that its environmental, natural, and historical diversity “represents a significant opportunity that must be capitalized upon through developmental support and strengthening of productive sectors.” “This governorate has witnessed extensive development thanks to His Majesty the King’s efforts, who launched its comprehensive master plan. Our duty is to build upon these achievements and advance this trajectory within a clear vision of goals and priorities,” Hassan stated.
In the healthcare sector, the Prime Minister announced ongoing work to complete the third phase of the Iman Government Hospital project at a cost of JD 2 million, with the new facility set to include educational halls and a helipad, scheduled for completion by the end of next year. Additionally, he revealed plans for establishing the Ajloun Comprehensive Health Center valued at JD 1 million, to be completed by 2026, along with three additional health centers in Ba’oun, Sana’ar, and Halawa at an approximate cost of JD 2.5 million.
Addressing water infrastructure, Hassan confirmed that complaints regarding water delivery would be resolved through a package of projects this year and next, including supply and extension of the transfer line from Kufranja Dam station to the base reservoir in Anjara, and restructuring and rehabilitation of water networks in Anjara, Ain Janna, and other areas to reduce water losses. The Prime Minister also outlined initiatives to enhance productive projects and employment opportunities, including the completion of a garment factory in the Al-Junaid area aimed at employing 182 young men and women from the governorate.
In transportation infrastructure, Hassan confirmed plans to proceed with rehabilitating and improving numerous roads in the governorate, particularly the new Ajloun road, to facilitate citizen mobility and access to tourist areas, thereby increasing visitor numbers, within available allocations and feasible options, as well as the Wadi Al-Tawahin road. For the education sector, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of nine new schools during the current year and the next two years, and a vocational school aligned with the new vocational education system that corresponds with future professions, in addition to afforestation of 20,000 dunums in Ajloun within the National Afforestation Project, and the establishment of a Comprehensive Government Services Center this year.
The Prime Minister concluded by expressing condolences to the families of those who perished in yesterday’s tragic accident on the Jerash-Ajloun road, noting that he had directed the Minister of Health to provide the injured with full necessary medical care.