Governorates, April 1 (Petra) - In line with government directives aimed at enhancing spending efficiency and optimizing resource consumption, various national institutions and unions across the Kingdom are witnessing a growing movement to adopt regulatory measures and awareness initiatives. These efforts are designed to control expenditures and bolster financial and energy sustainability amid current economic conditions.

Mutah University issued an administrative circular to all its staff, outlining temporary regulatory measures aimed at boosting spending efficiency and controlling operational costs, reflecting its commitment to the government's approach to financial austerity.

University President Salameh Al-Naimat emphasized that these measures come in response to current economic circumstances and fall within the university's responsibility to support national efforts aimed at managing resources effectively. He stressed the absolute necessity of full compliance with the circular.

Under the new directives, the use of government vehicles is strictly restricted to official business and prohibited outside of working hours. Additionally, the travel of official delegations and committees abroad has been suspended for two months, except in cases of extreme necessity that require prior approval.

The circular also mandated the suspension of hosting official delegations and a reduction in hospitality expenses for the same period. Furthermore, it banned the use of costly materials and publications across various university departments to help drive down expenses and improve overall financial performance.

The university presidency called on all employees to strictly adhere to the guidelines, affirming that this step ensures the institution directs its resources toward core academic and educational priorities, thereby strengthening its role in serving the nation and society.

Addressing the energy sector, Khalid Zoyoud, president of the General Trade Union of Workers in Petrochemicals, confirmed that recent calls to conserve energy are precautionary and proactive measures, rather than a response to any shortfall in the Kingdom's strategic reserves. He noted that Jordan possesses a secure stockpile sufficient to cover its needs and that the energy sector operates with high flexibility, enabling it to navigate regional fluctuations.

Zoyoud explained that the culture of conservation is a civic responsibility that reflects societal awareness. He pointed out that its implementation begins with simple habits in homes and workplaces, such as turning off unused appliances, maintaining heating equipment, and improving thermal insulation.

He highlighted the launch of several national initiatives designed to promote a culture of responsible consumption, most notably the "With Your Awareness, We Protect It" campaign. This initiative provides citizens with guidelines on reducing heat loss and conducting periodic maintenance, which he credited with helping to stabilize markets during peak demand periods.

Zoyoud also stressed the strategic significance of the Zarqa governorate as the center of Jordan's oil and energy sector, home to the petroleum refinery, and a primary hub for national industries. He urged citizens to adopt conservation practices as a national duty that directly supports the economy and bolsters Jordan's capacity to confront ongoing challenges.

In a related move, the Jordan Engineers Association launched a national awareness campaign focused on energy conservation. The initiative aims to enhance resource utilization and safeguard energy security, seamlessly aligning with government directives to lower consumption and improve efficiency across all sectors.

The JEA stated that the campaign encompasses practical measures targeted at government institutions, the private sector, and individual citizens. Key actions include cutting electricity consumption within buildings, turning off lights and electronic devices after working hours, and transitioning to energy-saving lighting systems. The guidelines also heavily promote routine maintenance for air conditioning and heating systems, alongside a broader push to instill a culture of conservation among employees and the general public.

It concluded by asserting that the success of the campaign hinges entirely on collective awareness and commitment, given its direct and critical impact on sustaining the national economy and protecting strategic resources.

//Petra// AF