Madaba, July 5 (Petra) -- A new tourism investment project overlooking Wala Dam was inaugurated in the Mleih district of Madaba Governorate, marking the first development of its kind in the area and underscoring efforts to promote sustainable tourism and local economic development.
Secretary General of the Jordan Valley Authority Hisham Haisa inaugurated the project on Saturday in the presence of members of Parliament, senators and local government officials from Madaba.
The project was launched following the signing of an investment agreement between the Jordan Valley Authority and the project's owner, allowing the use of Authority-owned land and roads adjacent to Wala Dam, in addition to other investment facilitation measures.
Haisa said the initiative aligns with the Authority's strategy of encouraging investment projects that contribute to reducing poverty and unemployment while supporting sustainable development in local communities.
He added that the Authority is implementing a development-oriented approach that integrates economic growth, infrastructure development and water resource management through a portfolio of projects supporting the government's Economic Modernization Vision.
Highlighting the project's economic impact, Haisa said it will create employment opportunities for residents of the area and contribute to expanding tourism activity in one of Jordan's emerging natural destinations.
He also encouraged residents of Wadi Al-Wala, Wadi Al-Mujib and the Barta Waterfalls area to benefit from the investment incentives offered by the Authority by establishing tourism projects that capitalize on the region's natural attractions.
The Jordan Valley Authority, he said, will continue supporting tourism and development initiatives that stimulate economic activity, create recreational destinations for visitors and attract additional investment through streamlined procedures and investment-friendly policies.
Project owner Hussein Al-Sunaid said the development occupies a 26-dunum site overlooking Wala Dam in the Mleih area of Dhiban District and is designed to serve as a year-round destination for visitors from across the Kingdom.
He said the project has already generated around 15 jobs for local residents and expressed appreciation to the Jordan Valley Authority for its support in facilitating the project's expansion through access to Authority-owned land and infrastructure.
According to Al-Sunaid, the project features a range of tourism facilities, including camping tents, glass houses, wooden and transparent cabins, water fountains, adventure attractions and recreational areas, offering visitors an integrated tourism experience.
The opening ceremony concluded with a cultural program featuring traditional Samer performances, music played on the rababa and oud, heritage songs and poetry recitals celebrating Jordanian cultural traditions.
//Petra// RZ
