Amman, Sept. 20 (Petra) -- Following the Prime Minister’s visit to Ma’an Governorate, ministers on Sunday reviewed projects completed there last year, as well as ongoing and planned projects aimed at advancing infrastructure, municipal services, water, social development and energy.

Public Works: 19 projects completed, 4 underway in Ma'an Acting Minister of Public Works and Housing Raed Abu Saud reported that the ministry completed 19 projects in Ma'an Governorate and is currently implementing four others. He outlined the ministry’s completed road projects, including the first package of maintenance works on the road linking the Ma'an Bridge, Mudawwara and Jafr toward the phosphate mines, covering 31 kilometers at a cost of JD8.55 million. It also completed the second package for maintenance of the Mudawwara road through the Shidiya intersection toward the Shidiya mines, covering 31 kilometers at a cost of JD8.31 million.

The ministry also completed the second phase of rehabilitation and maintenance of the Ma'an-Mudawwara road under a road and bridge rehabilitation project, covering 25 kilometers at a cost of JD3.98 million. It completed maintenance and rehabilitation of the Desert Highway from al-Mreigha to the beginning of al-Naqab descent, covering about 14 kilometers at a cost of JD3.24 million.

The ministry also completed surface asphalt works on the Desert Highway from al-Naqab descent to Dabba Hanout in the direction from Aqaba to Amman, at a cost of JD1.55 million.

Abu Saud added that the ministry completed lighting and maintenance works on several roads across the governorate, reconstructed a 2-kilometer section of the back road linking Jafr District with the Shidiya mine, and carried out maintenance of the Royal Side Road from the Dlagha security point to the Ras al-Naqab area.

Under decentralization projects, the ministry carried out road construction, maintenance and upkeep works, including concrete structures, across the governorate. It also installed lighting along the main road from Adhruh toward al-Jarba, installed lighting poles on several roads, and maintained and rehabilitated secondary, rural and agricultural roads in various areas of Petra District.

Other completed decentralization projects included the first phase of maintenance and paving of the Adhruh-Hussein bin Talal University road, completion of 800 meters of the Fajij road and 700 meters of the Hawala al-Jneina road, and maintenance and paving of the road extending from Bir Khaddad to the farms.

The ministry also carried out road maintenance and traffic safety works on several roads, constructed and improved agricultural roads in various parts of the governorate, and maintained the Civil Defense-Ma'an Bridge under a contract for the maintenance of roads in the Southern Region.

Additional works included water protection and maintenance for the Abu Aruq culvert and the supply of emergency materials in Petra District.

Regarding the four projects currently underway, Abu Saud outlined works covering the maintenance and rehabilitation of secondary, rural and agricultural roads under decentralization projects; maintenance of the Ma'an-Badia road; maintenance and upkeep of concrete structures and traffic safety works on several roads; and maintenance of the Petra-Royal Side Road. He expected the four projects to be completed this year.

Local Administration: More than JD19 million in ongoing projects Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri outlined projects completed by the ministry, including rehabilitation of the al-Shobak transfer station and recycling facility, establishment of an organic fertilizer plant in Il, and revitalization and rehabilitation of the Ma'an Popular Heritage Market in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing.

The ministry also completed various service and development projects in municipalities across the governorate, with the total cost of the completed projects reaching nearly JD4 million.

Masri reported that the ministry is currently implementing service and development projects in Ma'an Governorate and its municipalities worth more than JD19 million. These include projects for the Ma'an Governorate Council in the local administration sector, valued at JD1.655 million, and projects covering various sectors worth JD10.285 million, which are expected to be completed this year.

The ministry is also implementing service and development projects in various municipalities worth JD7.67 million, with completion expected next year.

Next year, the ministry will implement additional service and development projects for the Ma'an Governorate Council across various sectors, particularly local administration, with an expected cost of JD18.5 million.

Responding to questions from reporters, Masri disclosed that an additional JD110 million had been allocated this year on top of municipal budgets to address flood-prone areas, improve rainwater drainage and implement development projects.

Water Ministry to restructure and rehabilitate Ma'an networks Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud reported that the ministry worked last year to reduce water losses in Petra District by rehabilitating water networks in areas of the governorate at a cost of JD5.51 million.

The ministry also provided wastewater services in al-Haydan and other areas of Petra District, maintained the al-Mreigha station, established the Abu al-Lasan pumping station, and constructed the Tulaiba and al-Ruwaishid reservoirs.

Abu Saud noted that the ministry is working to restructure and rehabilitate Ma'an's water networks during the current and next years at a cost of JD6.81 million.

He listed five additional projects planned for next year: rehabilitating and improving water networks in the Ma'an District at a cost of JD11 million; improving energy efficiency at the pumping stations in Il, al-Qaa, al-Jetha and al-Husseiniya; establishing an 800-kilowatt photovoltaic solar power plant at the Rafe' al-Jetha reservoir; drilling a new water-source well, known as al-Tahouna Well; and studying and implementing works on the catchment basin feeding al-Wahidi Dam to reduce the impact of floods on the Ma'an District.

Social Development: 140 homes for low-income families planned Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa reported that the ministry completed six projects in the governorate. Through programs operated by the National Aid Fund, the ministry provided monthly assistance, cash support, physical rehabilitation and emergency aid to 5,549 families at a cost of JD5.33 million. It also provided cash and in-kind assistance to 13,750 families.

Bani Mustafa outlined the ministry's other completed projects, including the establishment of the al-Husseiniya Integrated Day Services Center and the equipping and operation of the Il Integrated Day Services Center. It also provided cash support and productive grants to charitable associations, as well as loans to productive families, benefiting 49 associations, and carried out maintenance of homes belonging to low-income families.

The ministry is currently implementing seven projects, she noted. Through the National Aid Fund, monthly assistance, cash support, physical rehabilitation and emergency aid will be provided to 5,780 families, while cash and in-kind assistance will be provided to 14,000 families.

The projects also include establishing and equipping the Jafr Integrated Social Services Center and maintaining and rehabilitating the Petra Integrated Day Services Center.

Bani Mustafa added that work is underway to construct and maintain homes for low-income families, provide cash support and productive grants to 38 associations, and offer revolving loans to National Aid Fund beneficiary families and low-income households to enable them to establish productive enterprises.

She announced that 140 homes for low-income families will be constructed next year at a cost of JD4.2 million.

Energy Ministry working to extend natural gas to al-Rawda industrial area Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh reported that 5,329 conventional lighting units in streets across the governorate's municipalities had been replaced with energy-efficient units in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Administration.

The ministry also installed 50 solar cells and solar water heaters in 641 homes. Kharabsheh announced that work is currently underway to extend natural gas to the al-Rawda industrial area in the governorate. Prime Minister Jafar Hassan laid the foundation stone for the project on Sunday. The project has a cost of JD17.5 million and is scheduled to continue through 2029.

The ministry is also continuing a program to support the installation of solar water heaters in homes, covering 30-50 percent of the installation costs.

Education: Five new schools planned through 2029 Minister of Education and Human Resources Development Azmi Mahafzah reported that eight new schools have been established in Ma'an Governorate, while classrooms were added at 12 schools to reduce overcrowding and reliance on rented buildings. The ministry also carried out maintenance and rehabilitation works at 38 schools.

The ministry is currently adding classrooms at four schools and carrying out maintenance at 16 others, Mahafzah noted. Through 2029, it will establish five additional schools in the governorate at a cost of JD7.68 million. Another project, running through 2028, will add classrooms at four schools.

Mahafzah announced that the school transportation project, which was launched in Ma'an Governorate and initially covers areas of the Southern Badia, will be expanded during the second semester and at the beginning of the next academic year.

The expansion follows a ministry survey in which about 30,000 students expressed interest in receiving school transportation services. He explained that the project will eventually cover all areas of the Badia.

Responding to reporters' comments, Mahafzah clarified that maintenance of public schools is an ongoing process carried out under an annual program based on the priorities of each school, adding that all schools requiring maintenance will be included.

Environment: Seven projects underway, park planned at al-Waha Pilgrims City Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman reported that the ministry completed a sustainable electric mobility project for tourist sites in the Petra region. The project resulted in an agreement between the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority and the U.S. Agency for the purchase of 16 electric buses.

The ministry also worked on afforestation at the entrance to the visitor center of the ancient city of Petra, with the project aiming to plant more than 5,000 native forest trees in cooperation with the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority.

Suleiman outlined seven projects currently underway in the governorate, including a project to build climate-change resilience in Jordan by improving water-use efficiency in the agricultural sector. The project will install 100 rooftop rainwater harvesting systems on public buildings and 339 systems on homes, in addition to training 100 women in climate-change adaptation practices.

Another project aims to strengthen the resilience of important biodiversity areas in Jordan to climate change. It includes rehabilitating 7,500 dunums of forests in selected areas of Petra and al-Shobak.

The ministry is also working to strengthen infrastructure to curb indiscriminate waste dumping across Jordan, including in Ma'an Governorate.

Suleiman added that the ministry is implementing an electronic tracking project for wastewater tanker trucks and vehicles transporting treated organic fertilizer to prevent illegal dumping of their loads across the Kingdom, including in Ma'an.

The ministry is also monitoring water and ambient air quality. Water quality is being monitored at seven sites under the National Water Quality Monitoring Project, while air quality is being monitored at a site near the Shidiya mines.

Suleiman noted that work is underway to establish a park at al-Waha Pilgrims City, with completion expected next year. The ministry is also developing green entrepreneurship pathways in southern Jordan to enable young men and women in three governorates to pursue green businesses, including training 80 participants in Ma'an Governorate in skills for establishing sustainable environmental projects.

Health: Specialized diabetes and endocrinology center planned Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour reported that the ministry established two health centers in the governorate: al-Shobak Health Center and Petra Comprehensive Health Center.

He noted that work is currently underway to construct a specialized center for diabetes, endocrinology and hereditary diseases at a cost of JD5 million, with completion expected in 2028.

Bdour also pointed out that the prime minister inaugurated on Sunday, ahead of the Cabinet session in the governorate, the new expansion project at Ma'an Government Hospital, which includes an outpatient clinics building and a blood bank.

Transport: Tourist train between Ma'an and Jardan stations to begin operating soon Minister of Transport and Minister of Labor Nidal Qatamin outlined four projects currently being implemented in the governorate. They include the construction and rehabilitation of the Petra internal departure and arrival center in Wadi Musa.

The facility will accommodate all internal transport routes across an area of 6,000 square meters and will also provide 50 parking spaces for private vehicles to ease traffic congestion. The project has a cost of JD3.07 million and is scheduled for completion in 2028.

The ministry is also constructing and installing a weather radar in Ma'an-Hisha to cover southern areas of the Kingdom. The project has a cost of JD2.5 million and is also scheduled for completion in 2028.

Another project involves installing 40 shelters at loading and unloading areas across the governorate, with completion expected next year.

Qatamin announced that a tourist train between Ma'an Station and Jardan Station, covering 18 kilometers, will begin operating soon. The project has reached 93 percent completion.

Labor: Future project to employ 400 Jordanians from al-Ash'ari area Qatamin reported that the Ministry of Labor completed six projects in the governorate last year. The Development and Employment Fund provided financing through 12 specialized programs covering entrepreneurial projects, women's empowerment projects and vocational projects.

The ministry also established and operated a bakery and Arabic sweets factory in Wadi Aneiza, employing 150 workers from the governorate under the productive branches program, part of the Royal initiatives. It also operated a productive branch under the Royal initiatives, namely the al-Husseiniya-Ma'an ready-made garment factory.

The ministry further established and equipped training workshops at the Petra Institute in air conditioning and refrigeration, residential electrical installations and sewing. A mobile phone maintenance workshop was also established at the Ma'an Women's Institute, alongside infrastructure improvements that included establishing a handicrafts workshop and equipping a food production workshop.

The Vocational Training Corporation trained 170 male and female trainees in tourism, agriculture and various other fields.

Currently, the Development and Employment Fund is providing financing through 14 specialized programs covering entrepreneurial projects, women's empowerment projects and vocational projects.

Qatamin explained that the National Employment Program aims this year to encourage the private sector to provide jobs for Jordanian men and women seeking employment across economic sectors and activities.

The Vocational Training Corporation is also developing the infrastructure of the Ma'an Women's Institute, updating equipment at its computer workshop and equipping a multipurpose hall. It is also training 100 male and female trainees in tourism, agriculture and other fields, purchasing equipment for hospitality workshops at the Petra Vocational Training Institute, and purchasing equipment, including an interactive screen, offices and training equipment, for the institute.

As for future projects, Qatamin announced that a productive branch will be established under the Royal initiatives: the al-Ash'ari-Ma'an ready-made garment factory. The project aims to employ 400 Jordanians from al-Ash'ari area in Ma'an Governorate, at a cost of JD1.79 million, with completion expected in 2029.

Tourism: Ma'an Heritage Market rehabilitation project to continue through 2028 Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin reported that the ministry established an exploration and adventure tourism center and rehabilitated the visitor center at Shobak Castle, including expanding bus parking facilities.

The ministry also prepared studies, designs and tender documents for a project to revive and rehabilitate Ma'an Heritage Market and link it with surrounding landmarks, in partnership with the Ministry of Public Works and Housing and Greater Ma'an Municipality.

Hijazin noted that supervision and implementation of the project will continue through 2028, at a cost of JD3.96 million.

Agriculture: Hisha Forest and al-Shobak nursery rehabilitated Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khreisat reported that the ministry worked to strengthen the resilience of environmentally important areas against climate change by rehabilitating Hisha Forest across 1,000 dunums and the al-Shobak forestry nursery. The ministry also completed water-harvesting techniques covering 3,000 dunums and prepared infrastructure at the Aneiza site.

Khreisat outlined four projects currently being implemented in the governorate, including agricultural lending programs costing JD2.5 million, land reclamation, agricultural development and water harvesting, training young men and women in agricultural professions, and afforestation at the Mudawwara border crossing and preparation of the project's irrigation network.

Next year, the ministry will also provide agricultural lending programs in the governorate at a cost of JD2.85 million. Khreisat noted that despite various interest-free packages designed to serve borrowers, the programs have seen limited uptake among farmers.

Industry and Trade: 21 industrial and service projects planned this year Minister of Industry, Trade and Supply Yarub Qudah reported that 11 industrial projects benefited from the first round of programs offered by the Industrial Support and Development Fund, creating 74 jobs last year.

He added that 28 projects benefited from programs operated by the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, creating 151 jobs, while 105 agricultural projects benefited from the Rural Economic Development Program and created 350 jobs.

This year, eight industrial projects will benefit from the second round of Industrial Support and Development Fund programs, creating 33 jobs.

Another 13 industrial and service projects will benefit from programs operated by the Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation, creating 15 jobs.

Culture: New historical narrative planned for Prince Hussein Cultural Center Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh highlighted comprehensive maintenance carried out at the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Cultural Center, covering the theater, halls, electrical systems and sewage facilities. Solar cells were also replaced, and green spaces were established between the center and the main road leading into Ma'an.

The ministry also held the al-Samer Festival for Culture, Arts and Heritage, featuring al-Samer art, Nabati poetry and traditional musical instruments, as well as an exhibition of cultural industries in the Southern Badia.

Training was also provided in cultural industries, including drawing, sculpture, Arabic calligraphy and ceramics.

Rawashdeh noted that al-Shobak District was designated a "Culture District" last year, while cultural organizations in the governorate were empowered to implement specialized cultural projects serving all segments of the community.

During this year and next year, the ministry will organize cultural festivals in the governorate and its districts, provide training in cultural industries, support and empower cultural projects, and maintain the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Cultural Center. It will also work to prepare graduates of the Institute of Arts for the labor market and establish a historical narrative inside the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Cultural Center documenting the region's history across different eras.

Looking ahead, Rawashdeh outlined ministry plans to generate electricity by increasing the number of solar cells at the Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II Cultural Center, with completion expected in 2028.

He added that, based on Royal directives, studies are currently being prepared for the "Panorama of the Founder's Palace in Ma'an" project. Work is scheduled to begin early next year, with the project intended to become a destination for domestic and international tourism.

Investment: Cabinet approves incentives for al-Rawda Industrial City Minister of Investment Tareq Abu Ghazaleh reported that six chemical-industry warehouses were established last year in al-Rawda Industrial City in Ma'an Development City, covering an estimated 4,860 square meters.

He outlined a package of investment incentives and benefits approved by the Cabinet for al-Rawda Industrial City, including support for electricity prices through adopting the definition of small and medium-sized industries used by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission.

The package also includes a program to support electricity bills and discounts ranging from 75 percent in the first two years to 25 percent in the final year over a five-year period, with support ceilings. The deadline for applications and signing agreements is before the end of 2027.

Abu Ghazaleh noted that al-Rawda Industrial City was also included in the productive branches program operated by the Ministry of Labor. The program provides wage support equivalent to 50 percent, in addition to JD25 for social security and JD25 for transportation, for five years, while new workers will be included in national employment programs.

The government will also subsidize container handling costs for goods exported through Aqaba Port by 50 percent for three years, provided that the goods originate in al-Rawda Industrial City.

Land prices have also been reduced to JD7.5 per square meter for plots exceeding 20 dunums, with a total area of 120 dunums.

Abu Ghazaleh explained that beneficiaries are required to employ residents of the governorate, submit a training plan and commit to implementing the agreed measures within two years of signing. The mechanism for setting electricity support ceilings applied to al-Tafila Industrial City and Al Hussein bin Abdullah Industrial City will also be adopted.

Awqaf: 12 rehabilitation projects opened to create jobs and sustainable income Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalayleh reported that the ministry last year renovated homes and provided assistance to 4,200 low-income families, in addition to launching 12 rehabilitation projects aimed at creating jobs and providing individuals with sustainable sources of income.

The ministry also maintained 40 mosques and equipped them with the necessary furnishings and equipment.

Youth: Sports and youth facilities undergoing maintenance Minister of Youth Raed Adwan outlined maintenance and rehabilitation works completed at Princess Haya Sports Complex, including rehabilitation of the field, track and complex, as well as rehabilitation works at Prince Rashid Hall. The ministry also carried out maintenance of youth and sports facilities and supported sports clubs in the governorate.

Adwan noted that work is currently underway to maintain youth and sports facilities and support sports clubs and activities at centers across the governorate. Next year, the ministry will complete the construction of a sports hall at Princess Haya Sports Complex.

Digital Economy: 150 benefit from digital skills program Acting Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship Badriya Balbisi reported that the ministry established and launched the Comprehensive Government Services Center in Ma'an Governorate last year, providing between 26 and 30 jobs. She added that 150 people benefited from the Digital Skills Empowerment Program under the Youth, Technology and Jobs Project.

The ministry also improved telecommunications and Internet services in areas across the governorate, with network development carried out under the supervision of the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission.

Petra Region Authority: Projects underway across four axes through 2028 Chair of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority Adnan Sawair outlined projects being implemented through 2028 under four axes covering green tourism, biodiversity, Umm Sayhoun development and capital projects.

The Green Growth Tourism Project includes six programs focused on visitor access and transport, tourism products and services, environmental sustainability, digital infrastructure, marketing and governance. Key projects include developing the Petra Visitor Center, rehabilitating Beit Nazzal, establishing a visitor center in al-Bayda and installing a 1-megawatt solar plant. The first three programs are valued at JD5.877 million, JD2.111 million and JD1.502 million, respectively.

Biodiversity projects for 2024-2028 include rehabilitating Hisha Forest and Ahrash, protecting endangered plant species, developing environmental resources and addressing climate change.

Umm Sayhoun development projects, valued at JD4.079 million, include infrastructure improvements, a development plaza, a five-a-side football field and 80 housing units in Dhraa Qamash.

Capital projects for 2025-2028, valued at JD15.4 million, cover Petra reserve services, infrastructure and municipal facilities, tourism and investment promotion, and local development programs.

Ma'an governor highlights completed projects Ma'an Governor Khaled Hajjaj pointed out that numerous projects had been completed over the past three years, stressing that development is a shared responsibility involving the government, private sector and civil society.

Local representatives call for further projects Local representatives welcomed the start of the Aqaba-Ma'an land port project and called for continued implementation, expansion of school transportation, which serves 9,900 students and teachers, and support for cooperatives.

The representatives also called for an integrated sports city, a central fruit and vegetable market, improvements to the Desert Highway, relocation of roadside businesses to a crafts area in al-Husseiniya, and further infrastructure and road rehabilitation.

//Petra// AJ