Jordan: Prime minister announces plans for $112mln hospital, transit upgrades in Madaba
AMMAN: Prime Minister Jaafar Hassan on Tuesday pledged to begin construction of a state-of-the-art government hospital in Madaba this year, stressing his commitment to enhancing healthcare services in the governorate.
During a Cabinet session in Madaba, the sixth held outside Amman as part of the government's regional engagement initiative, Hassan said that the hospital, designed to accommodate several medical specialities, is expected to be completed within four years at an estimated cost of JD60 million, with the total cost reaching JD80 million when fully equipped.
As part of efforts to improve transportation, the Prime Minister also unveiled a rapid transit bus service between Madaba and Amman. The new route will feature eight buses operating on a fixed schedule, offering 52 daily trips with direct government subsidies to enhance affordability and accessibility for commuters, according to a Prime Ministry statement.
Reaffirming a citizen-focused governance approach, Hassan said, 'The government puts people first, and there is no place in the public sector for those who do not share this commitment.' He underscored the importance of field visits in shaping policy and responding effectively to local needs.
Recognizing Madaba's historical and religious significance, Hassan highlighted plans to accelerate restoration and expansion projects, including completing Phase II of the Christian Pilgrimage Trail and opening the Thiban Visitor Centre.
On economic prospects, the prime minister highlighted Jordan's economy as 'resilient and strong,' citing major foreign investments and strategic projects set to launch in 2025 and beyond.
In education, Hassan announced plans to build several new schools, including the Thiban Vocational School for Boys, which will follow the BTEC vocational education system. He also reiterated the government's commitment to expanding vocational training nationwide to equip students with the technical skills needed for the labour market.
During the session, several ministers outlined a comprehensive development vision for Madaba, detailing projects planned for this year and the years ahead.
© Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Zawya
3 days ago
- Zawya
Jordan: In bid to boost investment, Cabinet announces incentives at Tafileh Industrial Estate
The Cabinet approves a package of investment incentives for the Tafileh Industrial Estate aimed at attracting businesses and creating job opportunities for local residents(Petra photo) - Incentives include free electricity for 3 years, land price cuts - Cabinet unveils set of service, development projects in Tafileh - Projects include environmental park, justice palace, public-private agricultural venture to empower youth, create Jobs AMMAN — Minister of Government Communications Mohammad Momani on Monday announced a series of Cabinet decisions taken during its session held in Tafileh Governorate, as part of the government's decentralisation and development drive. At a press conference following the meeting, Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said that the Cabinet approved a package of investment incentives for the Tafileh Industrial Estate aimed at attracting businesses and creating job opportunities for local residents, according to a Prime Ministry statement. Momani said that the incentives include a full exemption from electricity tariffs for new investors whose projects are registered or established within one year of the decision. "Eligible investors will receive free electricity for three years from the start of operations," he added. "Land prices in the estate were slashed by 50 per cent, with the cost per square metre reduced to JD5, down from JD10 and previously as high as JD25, to encourage investment and reduce production costs." Momani also announced that the Cabinet tasked the Ministry of Justice with launching design and study tenders for the new Palace of Justice in Tafileh, with implementation scheduled to begin next year. As part of the government's environmental and tourism efforts, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the Aabel Environmental Park, which will include service facilities at a total cost of JD660,000. The Cabinet also approved the temporary leasing of the Al Tuwana Agricultural Station, located in Jurf Al-Darawish and spanning 224 dunums, to the Jordanian Engineers Association for five years, renewable upon approval. The lease is part of a public-private partnership project aimed at introducing modern agricultural technologies, boosting high-value crop production, and creating over 50 permanent jobs, in addition to seasonal employment opportunities. The project aligns with the goals of the Economic Modernisation Vision, particularly in empowering young agricultural professionals. To support the freight transport sector, the Council of Ministers endorsed a decision allowing the import of truck heads manufactured less than eight years before the clearance year, provided that an older registered vehicle is scrapped or re-exported. The move aims to reduce operational costs, enhance competitiveness, and ensure sustainability under the 'Quality of Life' pillar of the Economic Modernisation Vision, the statement said. Addressing long-standing contractor dues, the Cabinet approved procedures to settle municipal tender claims estimated at JD50 million, with payments scheduled for June. Contractors will be allowed to borrow up to JD50 million collectively from local banks, backed by government-issued guarantees. The total outstanding municipal debts to contractors currently stand at JD70 million. Additionally, the Cabinet instructed the Ministry of Public Works and Housing to implement the road leading to the Yarmouk Forest Eco-Lodge in Bani Kinanah District, Irbid Governorate, and allocate the necessary funding. The project aims to support local communities, generate job opportunities, and promote eco-tourism. As part of international cooperation, the Cabinet approved a memorandum of understanding with the Malaysian government to enhance cooperation in the health sector through knowledge exchange and mutual benefit. Momani opened the press conference by congratulating Jordanians on the 79th Independence Day, expressing national pride and unity on the occasion. He noted that the Tafileh session was the eighth Cabinet meeting held outside the capital and reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing all announced projects, with funding allocated in the general budget. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Dubai Eye
06-05-2025
- Dubai Eye
Tanzanian President receives UAE's 'Mother of Nation Order'
Tanzania's President Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan has been handed the UAE's 'Mother of the Nation Order' for her efforts to promote sustainable development and social unity. The honour from UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was presented to Dr Hassan by Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, during his official visit to Tanzania. Sheikh Abdullah conveyed Sheikh Mohamed's greetings and affirmed the UAE's commitment to deepening ties with Tanzania. Dr. Hassan expressed her appreciation and shared her hopes for stronger bilateral cooperation. The two sides also discussed expanding collaboration in trade, investment and development. Several agreements were signed, including partnerships in customs cooperation, mining sector investment and the establishment of UAE-Tanzania Business Council, to reflect a shared vision for economic growth.
Zawya
05-05-2025
- Zawya
Jordan climbs Future of Growth Index, advances in innovation, digital inclusion
AMMAN: Jordan has advanced in the Future of Growth Index, making a remarkable progress in innovation, inclusiveness, sustainability, and resilience, according to a new government report. The Kingdom's performance was detailed in the first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025). According to the report, a copy of which was sent to The Jordan Times, the Kingdom has recorded scores of 45.1 in innovation, 53 in inclusiveness, 58.2 in sustainability, and 55 in resilience, out of a possible 100 in each category. To strengthen its innovation pillar, particularly in knowledge-based employment, the report said that the Ministry of Labour launched a national action plan to employ 1,000 job seekers across various governorates under the Productive Branches Initiative and provide career counselling and evaluation services. An analytical study was also conducted to assess the effectiveness of the National Employment Programme and to identify labour market challenges facing its beneficiaries. In a move to bridge the digital divide, especially in underprivileged regions, the government introduced the Jordanian Digital Inclusion Policy 2025. The policy aims to expand internet access through infrastructure upgrades and increased digital outreach, targeting a higher rate of internet usage among the population, the report said. Jordan has also partnered with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to conduct the 2025–2026 Executive Opinion Survey. The survey, which includes a nationally representative sample, will contribute qualitative insights for the 2026 edition of the Index. The Ministry of Planning took part in the forum's opening session to ensure accurate representation of Jordan's data in global assessments. Additionally, the government is reviewing sub-indicators related to the Index and coordinating with relevant institutions to address performance gaps and enhance future scores. The first-quarter 2025 report of the Executive Programme for the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023–2025) said that the government has made a number of decisions aimed at enhancing Jordan's position as a global destination. The report, released by the Council of Ministers, outlined major economic initiatives and trends observed in the first four months of the year. The report said that the government has granted sales tax exemptions to the "Jerash Eco-Tourism City Project" and exempted professional license fees for commercial and tourism establishments operating within the Petra Development and Tourism Region. According to the report, the government has achieved 'substantial' progress in several regulatory reforms in the tourism sector, including the endorsement of the 2025 bylaw for Hotel and Tourism Establishments, as well as amendments to the bylaws governing the Jordan Hotel Association and the Association of Travel and Tourism Offices. Work has also commenced on drafting new regulations for travel agencies and tourism companies. Business activity showed 'remarkable' improvement during January-April period, the report said, with the number of newly registered companies rising by 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. A total of 2,372 companies were registered between January and April, up from 2,091 during the same period in 2024. The report said that the total registered capital exceeded JD66 million, citing data from the Companies Control Department, with limited liability companies accounting for the majority of registrations, totalling 1,723 companies, 72.6 per cent of all new businesses The report also noted a significant 49 per cent decrease in company closures or deregistrations. Only 376 companies were removed from the registry, compared to 741 in the same period last year. Net capital increased dramatically by 518 per cent, reaching approximately JD590 million, compared to JD145 million in the first third of 2024. A total of 624 companies increased their capital by nearly JD617 million, while 97 companies reduced theirs by around JD79 million. The report also cited 'solid progress' in infrastructure development linked to healthcare and medical education. Construction of the new Faculty of Medicine has reached 67 per cent completion, while 79 per cent of the associated university hospital has been completed, both part of a broader national project aimed at enhancing Jordan's medical education and healthcare services. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
