Royal directives: Ministerial team checks on phosphate hills rehabilitation project in Russeifa

AMMAN — Under the Royal directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, a ministerial team on Saturday checked on the phosphate hills rehabilitation project in Zarqa’s Russeifa region, which is conducted by the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC).

The project was launched as per Royal directives aimed at enhancing the environmental and developmental status of the area and in response to the needs of its residents. Phosphate mining works have been suspended in Ruseifa area since 1985, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

During the tour, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Local Administration Tawfiq Kreishan highlighted the ongoing follow-up measures on the project’s progress and referred to the inspection visit of Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi and a ministerial team last December to the project site.

The removal of phosphate hills has reached 78 per cent, the official said, expecting the process to be completed by the end of next April, citing the pledges of JPMC’s officials.

He added that the infilling of the mining pits will conclude in next August. 

In press remarks commenting on the obstacles facing the project’s implementation, Kreishan stressed that the problems have been “exaggerated”, noting “they are simple obstacles that can be removed easily, including squatter settlements that will be dealt with separately without affecting the implementation of the project”.

The Greater Amman Municipality’s landfill will be relocated, while the livestock market in the region is small and can be moved as well, he added.

Minister of Environment Nabil Masarweh stressed the importance of the project that would improve Russeifa’s environment and bring investment opportunities for locals, highlighting the ministry’s efforts to prevent phosphate contamination.

Meanwhile, Minister of Public Works and Housing Yahya Kisbi said that the executive plan of the project is ready, pointing out that it was designated to serve its goal in line with the Royal vision, adding that implementation will take place once the JPMC’s works in the site is completed.