PM calls for unity in face of ‘difficult days’

AMMAN – Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour on Monday underlined that wars surrounding Jordan require the maximum level of consciousness and alertness in order to maintain national security and stability.

During a visit to Karak Governorate along with a ministerial team to meet with tribal leaders and residents, he noted that "these days are difficult days in light of the wars raging in the region around us, where fires, destruction and damage are becoming the norm."

The visit was made upon His Majesty King Abdullah's directives to officials to adopt field trips as one approach of their work, and to reach out to all parts of Jordan to detect the needs and priorities of citizens wherever they are, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

"It is not a coincidence that this country has managed to protect its security and stability, which is due to the leadership's wisdom," Ensour said, calling for overcoming the differences and holding on to the "commonalities and shared grounds that bring us all together".

The premier noted that the fair distribution of resources is a main feature of good governance.

He said all needs and demands of Southern Mazar District residents will be followed up by the government, such as establishing a development zone, increasing the governorate’s share of the Gulf Cooperation Council’s grants and building a court of first instance. 

Addressing the meeting, MP Bassam Btoush highlighted that poverty and unemployment are the main problems facing the district, making the establishment of a training facility to rehabilitate the youth and an industrial zone in Southern Mazar top priorities.

He also suggested creating a panoramic experience for the Mutah battle (Muslims against Byzantines in the 7th century AD) to encourage religious tourism to the area, while moving the location of the Mutah University’s Sharia faculty closer to the shrines of Prophet Mohammad’s companions, who fell in the said confrontation. 

In addition, the deputy called for establishing the aspired Jordanian-Chinese technical university in Mazar. 

Meanwhile, the ministerial team responded to questions and queries of the Mazar residents.

Minister Hazem Nasser indicated that the JD10 million Mujeb water conveyance project, which was funded by the Kuwaiti grant, will contribute “hugely” to addressing the water shortage in the governorate.

He added that three water schemes have been implemented in the region during the past three years, noting that some JD122 million was allocated to the district’s water sector improvement in this year’s budget.   

For his part, Deputy Prime Minister, Education Minister Mohammad Thneibat noted that a tender to renovate 22 schools in the district was recently floated. 

Interior Minister Hussein Majali said a passport department branch will be inaugurated in the area on April 30, while Labour Minister Nidal Katamine highlighted plans to create job opportunities in Southern Mazar. 

Social Development Minister Reem Abu Hassan said a total of 43 housing units were handed over to underprivileged families in the district in 2014 free of charge, of which 31 were constructed under a Royal makruma (initiative). 

The new Karak Public Hospital building will be inaugurated soon in the region, according to Health Minister Ali Hiastat, who said that plans are under way to expand a number of healthcare centres. 

Mutah and Southern Mazar Mayor Mohammad Qatawneh noted that the municipality serves eight regions that are home to 70,000, including 17,000 Syrian refugees, citing the pressure on infrastructure and sewage networks as a result of the refugee influx.