Irbid, May 3 (Petra) -- Ministers outlined a wide range of completed, ongoing, and planned projects across Irbid Governorate, detailing sectoral investments and development priorities with a focus on infrastructure, social protection, education, health, and environmental sustainability.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Saud said the ministry completed the rehabilitation of Irbid and Ramtha water systems and the Irbid (A1) network at a cost of JD110.2 million. Ongoing works include nine projects, notably the rehabilitation of the Irbid and Ramtha (A2-C2) network at JD21.3 million, and four packages for a water supply system in Bani Kinanah costing JD15 million, JD13.2 million, JD16.1 million, and JD12.2 million, respectively.

The ministry is also implementing the second phase of the West Irbid wastewater project covering Qumaim, Jamha, Houfa, and Kafr Aan at JD9.78 million, alongside rehabilitation works valued at JD8.83 million. The third phase, covering Zahr, Jajin, and Kafr Rahata, stands at JD8.41 million, in addition to transmission line projects.

Future plans include five projects, notably the West Irbid wastewater network (phase one, stage two) at JD17.4 million, to be completed by 2028, and support for host communities at JD14 million next year. Additional projects include pumping station rehabilitation and construction at JD9.39 million (completion by 2028), rehabilitation of Azmi al-Mufti camp networks at JD9 million (completion by 2029), and replacement of the Houfa transmission line at JD3 million.

Minister of Social Development Wafaa Bani Mustafa said seven projects were completed, with 56,000 families benefiting from National Aid Fund programs last year at JD56.6 million. Assistance also reached 24,000 families, alongside the establishment of rehabilitation centers, 18 housing units in Ramtha, and support for 110 associations. The ministry is currently implementing seven projects, including JD58 million allocated this year for 56,000 families, support for 21,000 families, construction of 15 housing units in Taybeh, and assistance for 95 associations. It is also establishing early intervention units in Taybeh, Mazar al-Shamali, and Bani Kinanah.

Future plans include 67 housing units distributed across districts and the establishment of multiple centers, including inclusive day services, elderly care, autism support, and comprehensive social services in West Irbid.

Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Azmi Mahafza said five schools were built, classrooms expanded in five schools, and 28 schools renovated. Current projects include eight secondary schools at JD24 million, five primary schools at JD12.8 million, and renovation of 69 schools at JD2.5 million. Over the next two years, plans include 10 secondary schools at JD28 million, five primary schools at JD15 million, and two vocational schools at JD12 million.

Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri said projects worth JD15.5 million were completed last year, while current Governorate Council projects total JD13.7 million. Planned projects include municipal development works at JD36 million, al-Akidar landfill rehabilitation at JD35 million, council projects at JD20.1 million, and road rehabilitation at JD4.6 million. A solid waste management project will be tendered in July, with implementation in early 2027.

Minister of Health Ibrahim Bdour said the ministry completed the new Princess Basma Hospital, warehouse upgrades, and maintenance of several health centers. Current projects include rehabilitation of 10 health centers, expansion of Princess Badea'a Hospital emergency department, establishment of Sal Health Center, and provision of sterilization units. Future plans include expanding outpatient clinics, establishing specialized centers, and building a cancer treatment center at Princess Basma Hospital.

Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abu Saman said eight projects were completed last year, including major road rehabilitation works. Ongoing projects include the Irbid Ring Road (phase one, section three) at JD3.5 million and infrastructure upgrades. Plans for this year include completing the ring road, constructing Princess Basma Hospital Road, and maintaining key routes across the governorate.

Minister of Agriculture Saeb Khraisat said projects included a rural products exhibition at JD3.27 million, drilling 1,000 wells, and supporting agricultural initiatives. Current programs include agricultural lending at JD10.3 million, establishment of a 10,000-ton storage facility, drilling 900 wells, and training initiatives. Support for lending programs next year will reach JD11.3 million.

Minister of Environment Ayman Suleiman said the ministry completed the National Monitoring Information System for Waste at JD5.5 million and implemented projects in water harvesting, wastewater treatment, and green infrastructure. It also created 613 temporary jobs and installed solar systems for 119 agricultural units. Current efforts include the "Jordan Ready" project at JD5.2 million to enhance climate resilience through nature-based solutions and capacity building.

Minister of Labor Khaled Bakkar said the ministry completed eight projects, including support for vocational training partnerships with Al Hussein Technical University and the launch of 12 Development and Employment Fund programs covering education, entrepreneurship, skills, tourism, transport, and cooperative sectors. The National Employment Program targeted 3,300 job seekers last year.

He added that the Vocational Training Corporation completed the first two phases of the Institute of Excellence for Modern Agricultural Technology in the Northern Jordan Valley, established a Culinary Arts Academy in Irbid in partnership with the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts, and launched specialized training programs aligned with labor market needs. Additional projects include the establishment of the al-Mansoura Institute in Bani Kinanah, expansion of Ramtha Vocational Training Institute capacity to 120 trainees annually, and operation of Beit Ras Institute with a capacity of 100 trainees annually.

Ongoing efforts include establishing the Institute of Excellence for Green Professions, alongside multiple applied training facilities such as mobile phone repair workshops, smart greenhouse laboratories, and food processing units, in addition to institutes for energy and heavy machinery maintenance and Barqash Institute in Koura. Future plans include a production branch in Bani Kinanah providing 150 jobs at a cost of JD1.58 million, and the Irbid International Call Center creating 150 jobs, while the third phase of the Modern Agricultural Technology Institute will be completed this year. The National Employment Program will continue incentivizing private-sector hiring.

Minister of Investment Tariq Abu Ghazaleh said occupancy at Al-Hassan Industrial City reached 91%, with 134 companies generating investments of JD430.9 million and employing 34,874 workers. Ongoing projects include infrastructure works in Irbid Development Zone at JD16.3 million and 10 industrial projects in Al-Hassan Industrial City valued at JD2.46 million.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazeen said the ministry implemented projects including the Yarmouk Nature Reserve eco-lodge, restoration of Umm Qais and Beit Ras archaeological sites, and maintenance of tourism facilities in Koura. Current work focuses on developing Qweilbeh and Umm Qais sites and museum, enhancing services at Barqash Forest, Umm Al-Naml, Wadi Al-Rayyan, and Jadita, and preparing plans for Dar Al-Saraya Museum.

In the industrial and enterprise support sector, Abu Ghazaleh said 14 industrial projects benefited from Jordan Enterprise Development Corporation programs, creating 102 jobs, while 124 agricultural projects under the Rural Economic Development and Employment Program created 494 jobs. An additional 19 projects generated 60 jobs. Upcoming support includes 17 industrial projects creating 96 jobs, eight projects creating 50 jobs, and eight projects across industrial and service sectors generating 29 jobs.

Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh said the ministry replaced 24,618 streetlights with energy-efficient units. Ongoing programs include solar installations in municipal buildings, subsidies covering 30–50% of household solar systems, installation of solar heaters in four hospitals, and energy efficiency solutions for factories and farms.

Minister of Youth Raed Adwan said projects included the establishment of Al-Wasatiyah Youth Center, solar energy systems at Prince Hassan Youth City, and maintenance of youth facilities. Current work includes upgrading sports infrastructure and constructing new facilities, with further plans to rehabilitate stadiums and youth centers.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Places Mohammed Khalaileh said the ministry is maintaining and furnishing 40 mosques, implementing 85 employment-generating rehabilitation projects, supporting 12,000 families, providing stipends to 725 families, renovating 15 homes, and expanding solar energy use in mosques.

Minister of Transport Nidal Qatamin said the ministry is upgrading transport complexes and loading areas in Irbid and Ramtha at a cost of JD1.05 million, alongside improvements to public transport routes.

Minister of Culture Mustafa Rawashdeh said the ministry completed upgrades to Irbid Cultural Center, organized cultural events, restored heritage sites, and established a digital library. Ongoing projects include museums, cultural centers, libraries, arts institutes, and public space enhancements across the governorate.

Acting Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship and Minister of State for Public Sector Development Badriya Balbisi said the ministry completed the Digital Skills Empowerment Project and the Youth, Technology, and Jobs – Jordan Growth Project, benefiting 1,186 trainees, 38 schools, and 35 teachers. Current projects include establishing an e-sports dome and a digital platform to support entrepreneurship, training, and job creation, with completion expected next year.

//Petra// AJ