Amman, August 16 (Petra) - The Cabinet approved on Sunday amended bylaws for groundwater monitoring and wholesale produce markets while reviewing second-quarter investment figures and endorsing leadership appointments.
The amended groundwater monitoring bylaw establishes legal frameworks to address long-standing licensing issues for agricultural wells across the Kingdom. Under the new rules, well owners have until early June 2027 to rectify their regulatory status. The bylaw mandates the installation of smart water meters to curb waste, prevent illegal tapping, and monitor aquifer extraction levels to ensure water security.
The Cabinet amended the wholesale produce market bylaw to tighten regulatory oversight by the Ministries of Local Administration and Agriculture. The changes allow municipalities to establish joint wholesale markets through official agreements, reducing operational costs and optimizing marketing efficiency.
The reforms aim to balance producer and consumer prices, eliminate unregulated sales, and support food security goals outlined in the Economic Modernization Vision.
As part of ongoing public sector modernization, the Cabinet endorsed an administrative restructuring bylaw for the General Budget Department. The update aims to improve organizational efficiency, enhance financial planning, expand digital services, and leverage data analytics for budget preparation.
The Cabinet reviewed investment statistics from the second quarter of 2026, noting that 21 investors were granted Jordanian citizenship after bringing over USD33 million in capital and employing 767 local workers, while six others obtained residency, representing nearly JD2 million in investments. This brings the total number of investors granted citizenship since the program's 2021 inception to 687.
The Cabinet approved several senior administrative appointments and transfers: - Waseem Adwan was appointed Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing for Technical Affairs.
- Raed Halahleh was appointed Secretary-General of the Ministry of Public Works and Housing for Administrative and Financial Affairs.
- Nawaf Akeel was transferred to Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for School Affairs.
- Sahar Shakhatreh was transferred to Secretary-General of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for Education Affairs.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the retirement of four Interior Ministry governors: Firas Qaaida, Hassan Jabour, Malek Khreisat, and Hakim Khreisha.
//Petra// HA
