Jerash, Ramtha, July 21 (Petra) – Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan on Tuesday inspected tourism, youth, healthcare and infrastructure projects in Jerash and Ramtha, issuing directives to accelerate implementation, improve public services and align vocational training with labor market needs.
During his visit to Jerash, Hassan reviewed progress on the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village project, his third inspection of the site. The project has reached 60% completion and is scheduled for completion in 2027, when it is expected to become a major tourism destination serving Jerash and northern Jordan.
The prime minister received a briefing on the project, which is being implemented by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. The 210-dunum project is located in a mountainous area overlooking the forests of Jerash, Dibeen and Tell al-Rumman, about 10 minutes from the archaeological city of Jerash. It includes a 55-room eco-lodge, an eco-park, a theater, adventure and recreational facilities, family and children's areas, a visitor center, restaurants, a 200-seat conference hall, and a marketplace for local community products.
In Ramtha, Hassan reviewed training programs at the Ramtha Vocational Training Institute. He directed that the programs be further developed and expanded to serve as a model for vocational training institutes across the Kingdom, ensuring graduates acquire skills that match labor market demands.
He also stressed the importance of providing graduates with accessible financing and in-kind support, including tools and equipment, to help them establish small businesses after completing their training.
The prime minister directed the establishment of modern training workshops in selected specializations and the modernization of the institute's computer laboratory, which serves more than 140 trainees.
At the Ramtha Youth Center, Hassan underscored the importance of the specialized training programs introduced last year in sports, education and the arts. The initiative has expanded from 15 youth centers in its first year to 60 this year, with plans to reach 100 centers across the Kingdom next year.
He stressed that the programs should help participants develop practical skills and discover their talents. The courses include English language training, taekwondo and other sports, as well as programs in various artistic fields.
The prime minister also directed improvements to the youth center's infrastructure, including upgrading its computer laboratory and providing the resources needed to sustain and expand youth activities and services.
Hassan also visited Ramtha Government Hospital, where he ordered maintenance work, the provision of medical equipment and staffing support, and the launch of technical feasibility studies for constructing an additional floor to house operating rooms and intensive care units. He noted that the hospital serves more than 250,000 residents and provides clinical training for medical and nursing students from several universities.
During the tour, Hassan also reviewed plans to rehabilitate Forty Road, which links Ramtha with surrounding areas, directing that work begin as soon as possible after JD2 million was allocated for the project during a Cabinet meeting held in Irbid Governorate last May.
He further stressed the importance of completing the rehabilitation of the Ramtha-Jaber road linking Ramtha and Mafraq Governorate, including the installation of street lighting and traffic safety measures.
//Petra// AJ
