Zarqa, Dec. 18 (Petra) – A series of developmental projects announced by the government during a Cabinet session held in Zarqa on Tuesday reflect a strong focus on the needs and development requirements of the residents of the governorate.

Zarqa (northeast of Amman) is one of the most densely populated governorates in the kingdom, with a population exceeding 1.5 million people. It serves as a major industrial and commercial hub, hosting over 52% of the national industries. The prominent urban and industrial areas in Zarqa include the city of Zarqa and the city of Russeifa. The governorate spans 4761 square kilometers and consists of three districts and four subdistricts.

Officials pointed out that the announced projects mark the beginning of a new phase of comprehensive and sustainable development in Zarqa and reflect the government's commitment to empowering the governorate economically and improving the services provided to its citizens.

Zarqa Governorate Council President, Faisal Zawahereh, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the new building for the Zarqa Governorate Council, for which the foundation stone was laid, aims to enhance the President efficiency of local councils and provide advanced infrastructure. He pointed out that the new council headquarters in Jabal Tariq reflects the government's efforts to distribute development benefits throughout the governorate.

The project covers an area of 1200 square meters, with the building itself spanning approximately 900 square meters. It will include advanced facilities that enhance administrative efficiency and serve as a model for future, more organized, and effective councils.

Director of the Zarqa Health Directorate, Khaled Abdel Fattah, mentioned that the government's health projects aim to improve healthcare services in Zarqa and make them more comprehensive, easing the burden on citizens by providing integrated health services. These projects include utilizing the old Zarqa Public Hospital site in the Al-Hawouz area, spanning 8 dunums, to create a new Health Directorate building and a comprehensive health center, along with establishing another health center in the Jreba basin and adding new departments to the Zarqa Public Hospital.

Meanwhile, Director of Prince Faisal Hospital in Russeifa, Nasser Hussein, discussed a planned expansion for the hospital valued at JD9 million. This includes the renovation of the old 2300-square-meter building, which will help improve the hospital's services. The hospital currently has 169 beds and employs 870 staff members, serving approximately 20,000 emergency room visitors and 15,000 outpatient visits each month, in addition to performing around 400 surgeries.

Hussein added that a mammogram device will be installed soon to assist in the early detection of breast cancer. The hospital's expansion, which will cover 5850 square meters, will include state-of-the-art emergency, intensive care, and operating rooms.

In the education sector, Osama Shdeifat, Director of the First Zarqa Education Directorate, emphasized the importance of the announced educational projects, which include building new schools to alleviate overcrowded classrooms and improve the quality of education. The planned educational projects include five new primary schools, a vocational school, and two secondary schools within the next three years, in addition to maintaining existing schools and adding classrooms.

President of the Zarqa Chamber of Industry, Fares Hammouda, highlighted the industrial city in Zarqa as a key opportunity for expanding the industrial sector, contributing significantly to the national economy by attracting high-quality industrial investments and creating job opportunities for residents of Zarqa and surrounding areas. He pointed out that the Industrial City launched in August, in partnership with the Jordan Industrial Estates Company, has seen noticeable interest from investors due to the incentives offered, making it one of the largest industrial cities in the Middle East.

He also mentioned that the natural gas measurement and reduction station, which was inaugurated in Al-Hashmiya, would help reduce production costs in the governorate by 60%, enhancing its competitiveness and attracting more factories, thereby generating more job opportunities.

In the cultural sector, Director of the Zarqa Culture Directorate, Mohammad Al-Zoubi, confirmed approval for the creation of the Princess Salma Childhood Center Garden, with joint funding from the governorate council amounting to JD73,000. The project is expected to be completed by early next year, providing a recreational space for children. Additionally, the Ministry of Culture is working on other significant cultural projects, including a museum at the Darat of King Abdullah II to promote national identity.

On the environmental front, Al-Dhlail Municipality President Nidal Al-Awadat discussed the urgent needs of the area, particularly the importance of including Al-Dhlail in the sewage network and establishing a 24-hour health center. The Minister of Environment promised to study the sewage project and secure funding, while the Minister of Health confirmed the inclusion of the health center in the ministry’s priorities.

President of the Zarqa Chamber of Commerce, Hussein Shreim, emphasized the importance of attracting both local and foreign investments to the Zarqa Industrial City, promoting it at both local and international levels. He pointed out that the city, which will include vital sectors such as food, pharmaceuticals, and clothing, will create significant job opportunities and support commercial growth and sustainable economic development.

Lastly, the President of the Zarqa Refugee Camp Services Committee, Mohammad Hisham Al-Bourini, noted that the government’s projects in health, education, culture, and infrastructure represent tangible efforts to transform challenges into opportunities in Zarqa. He affirmed that these efforts bloster trust between the government and the residents of Zarqa, opening the door for future initiatives.

//Petra// AF

18/12/2024 23:59:11