Latest news with #decentralisation
Zawya
6 days ago
- Politics
- Zawya
Jordan: Hassan underlines centrality of local governance, development to Cabinet sessions in governorates
AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Wednesday reaffirmed the government's commitment to decentralisation and inclusive development during a Cabinet session held in the northern city of Jerash. Hassan described Cabinet meetings in governorates as a 'firmly established governmental approach aimed at shaping development programmes in close coordination with local administrations and elected bodies.' 'These sessions are vital to developing unified plans that address pressing challenges and priorities,' prime minister said. 'They help ensure efficient implementation and responsible public spending.' The session in Jerash was the first to include temporary municipal committees and newly established governorate councils, according to a Prime Ministry statement. The prime minister called on these bodies to put forth maximum effort in serving citizens' needs, pledging full cooperation from the government to address any shortcomings until relevant legislation is passed and elections are conducted. As part of Jordan's broader political modernisation drive, Hassan said that local governance legislation would be a key priority in the coming period, stressing that municipalities form the backbone of local development and reaffirmed the government's commitment to revitalising their role, improving their performance, and ensuring sound governance for equitable and effective service delivery. The Prime Minister cautioned against 'favoritism and unsustainable employment practices', saying that efforts to tackle unemployment must not come at the expense of municipal sustainability or fair and transparent service provision. He also described Jerash Festival, which will begin on Thursday, as one of the most distinguished to date, underscoring the iconic event's significance for Jordan's tourism and cultural sectors. 'The festival remains a leading Arab cultural event and a vital contributor to the local economy.' 'Despite regional challenges, the government remains fully committed to supporting tourism and cultural events, which are essential pillars of the national economy and identity,' Hassan said. He also highlighted several recent national occasion, including Flag Day, Independence Day, and the national football team's qualification for the World Cup, as proud moments for Jordanians. 'These are opportunities to celebrate our people, our achievements, and our enduring resilience,' he remarked. Turning to the economy, the prime minister outlined the next phase of Jordan's Economic Modernisation Vision, announcing a series of intensive workshops to be held at the Royal Hashemite Court and the Prime Ministry. 'These workshops aim to review and update strategies to better reflect global developments and unlock opportunities missed in recent years due to regional instability. The resulting three-year executive programme will act as the government's central work plan, guiding ministries with detailed, sector-specific objectives.' 'This is about building a responsive and forward-looking economic framework that expands opportunities and keeps pace with global trends. it is not just a plan for the government, it is a roadmap for the future of all Jordanians.' Hassan also reaffirmed Jordan's unwavering commitment to regional stability and solidarity, emphasising the country's vital diplomatic role amid ongoing geopolitical challenges in neighbouring Syria and Gaza. The prime minister acknowledged the scale and severity of current regional developments. 'The repercussions in our region are not easy,' he stated. 'There are profound and visible transformations taking place around us. The future of Jordan and Arab countries is intrinsically linked.' Highlighting Jordan's active role in Syria, Hassan said revealed that the Kingdom had taken key steps in recent days to support efforts toward a unified and sovereign Syrian state. 'Our aim is for Syria to rise, to be strong, stable, prosperous, and unified under its own sovereignty. Relations with the Syrian government are excellent, and there is open communication and cooperation across all sectors.' He described ongoing consultations between the two countries as 'highly positive,' noting that optimism about the future of Jordanian-Syrian relations is growing. 'Jordan is offering comprehensive support to the Syrian people through civil defence cooperation, technical expertise, humanitarian assistance, and administrative coordination.' Touching on the situation in Sweida, the prime minister said that conditions were stabilising. 'We have played a key diplomatic role in containing the crisis,' he said, underscoring Jordan's efforts to promote calm and security along its northern frontier. On the situation in Gaza, Hassan reiterated the Kingdom's support for the Palestinian people, amid what he described as an ongoing humanitarian tragedy. 'We hope the brutality and suffering in Gaza will come to an end in the coming days. Our top priority is delivering humanitarian aid and helping the Palestinian people remain steadfast on their land.' Hassan said that no issue outweighs the importance of ensuring Palestinians remain in their homeland, with the long-term objective of securing the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. 'With the support of the international community, we will continue working to secure the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,' he said. The prime minister also praised the tireless efforts of Jordanian institutions delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza under extremely difficult circumstances. 'There has not been a single day or hour when our efforts have stopped. Despite every challenge, we are doing everything possible to ensure aid reaches those most in need.' © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Draft Master Plan 2025: Bishan is the newest sub-regional centre
Under the Draft Master Plan 2025, Bishan was designated as Singapore newest sub-regional centre. (Photo: Albert Chua/EdgeProp Singapore) Last month, URA unveiled the Draft Master Plan 2025, which will guide the development of Singapore's built environment over the next 10 to 15 years. Key objectives of the plan include ensuring sufficient space to meet diverse housing and lifestyle needs, as well as providing vibrant workspaces to support a competitive economy. At the same time, the master plan aims to preserve parts of Singapore's built heritage so that residents feel a stronger sense of belonging. Finally, plans are in place to ensure that Singapore is well-equipped to weather the effects of impending climate change. One of the main highlights of the Draft Master Plan 2025 is the announcement of new neighbourhoods in central locations; catering to the strong demand from homebuyers who wish to live in such areas. These upcoming neighbourhoods will be located at Newton, Paterson, the former Bukit Timah Turf City, Pearl's Hill, Mount Pleasant, Marina South, and the former Keppel Golf Course. New neighbourhoods outside of the central area include one-north, the former Singapore Racecourse at Kranji, and Sembawang Shipyard after it ceases operations in 2028. New sub-regional centre in Bishan To bring workplaces closer to homes and ease peak-hour traffic in the CBD, Singapore embarked on a decentralisation plan years ago. Today, Singapore has three regional centres—Woodlands, Tampines, and Jurong East—as well as two sub-regional centres in Paya Lebar and Serangoon. Read also: More public and private homes in the Draft Master Plan 2025 Under the Draft Master Plan 2025, Bishan Town Centre has been designated as Singapore's newest sub-regional centre. Upcoming developments in Bishan are expected to include a polyclinic, more office and retail spaces, as well as additional F&B options. Residents can also look forward to enhancements to key transport nodes and more pedestrian-friendly streets. More public spaces and skyrise greenery will also be incorporated into these future developments. It was also announced that Bishan Place—the road behind Junction 8—will be transformed into a landscaped pedestrian mall. Studies will also be conducted on the possibility of building a new hawker centre that will be integrated with the revamped bus interchange. To kickstart the development of the new sub-regional centre, several government agencies are expected to relocate their offices to Bishan Town Centre. However, the specific agencies and timeline for the relocation have yet to be announced. It was also revealed that approximately 2.153 million sq ft of office space will be built in Bishan, comparable in scale to Paya Lebar Central. The transformation of Bishan is expected to begin during the current term of government and will likely take several years to complete. Which condos will benefit? Bishan Town Centre is anchored by the dual-line Bishan MRT Station, which serves both the Circle and North-South Lines. Nearby developments include Bishan Bus Interchange, Bishan Stadium, Swimming Complex and Sports Centre, Bishan Public Library, CPF Bishan Building, Bishan Community Centre, and Junction 8. Using Bishan MRT Station as the reference point, there are only three condos within a 500m radius, namely and Sky Vue (see Map 1). Read also: New homes planned for Dover Road, Newton Circus and Paterson Hill as URA unveils Draft Master Plan 2025 Source: EdgeProp LandLens (as at 30 June 2025) There are two other condos and an executive condo (EC) if the distance is increased to 1 km. The two condos are and Rafflesia Condominium, while the EC is Bishan Loft. With the exception of Boonview, all private residential developments near Bishan MRT Station have 99-year tenures (see Table 1).There are also many amenities within a 1km radius of the MRT station, including Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Primary School, Kuo Chuan Presbyterian Secondary School, Catholic High School (Primary and Secondary), Whitley Secondary School, Guangyang Secondary School, and Raffles Institution (Secondary and Junior College). Condos in closer proximity expected to gain more Among the three condos within walking distance of Bishan MRT Station, Sky Vue stands out as the only one with an average resale price above $2,000 psf. Furthermore, the average resale price for Sky Vue ($2,180 psf) is closely aligned with that of 99-year leasehold condos in District 20 that are 10 years old or younger ($2,196 psf), and significantly higher than the average for similar condos islandwide ($2,029 psf) (see Chart 1). Source: EdgeProp Market Trends (as at 2 July 2025) Sky Vue also recorded more profitable transactions and fewer unprofitable ones compared to Sky Habitat and Bishan 8 (see Table 1). So far this year, 11 units at Sky Vue have changed hands, all yielding profits ranging from approximately $195,000 to $1.205 million. Of the 11 transactions, two have generated profits of at least $1 million for their sellers (see Table 2). The record-high profit of $1.205 million was achieved in February from the sale of a unit for $2.778 million ($2,435 psf). The seller had purchased the unit on the 14th storey in October 2013 for $1.573 million ($1,378 psf). Source: EdgeProp Buddy (as at 1 July 2025) The unit involved is a three-bedroom unit measuring 1,141 sq ft. It comprises an en-suite master bedroom with a walk-in wardrobe and a private balcony, as well as two additional bedrooms and a common bathroom. The unit also features another balcony adjacent to the living and dining area (see Floor Plan 1). Read also: Sky Vue achieves new high of $2,366 psf Source: EdgeProp Research In comparison, Sky Habitat recorded nine profitable transactions this year, but only one yielded a profit above $1 million. The million-dollar profitable transaction involved a four-bedroom unit on the 19th storey. The seller bought the 1,798-sq ft unit in April 2015 for $2.496 million ($1,389 psf) and sold it in March for $3.58 million ($1,992 psf), resulting in a profit of approximately $1.084 million. Despite sharing similar locational attributes and ages, Sky Vue outperforms Sky Habitat in terms of resale price and profitability. Contributing factors could include differences in unit mix and floor layouts for the two condos. The average resale price for Bishan 8 was the lowest among the three condos (see Table 1). This could be because Bishan 8 is more than 15 years older than Sky Vue and Sky Habitat. This year, two units at Bishan 8 were sold, and both yielded profits above $1 million (see Table 3). Coincidentally, both are three-bedroom units on the seventh storey and each unit measures 1,163 sq ft. The unit that generated the higher profit of $1.458 million was sold in March for $2.13 million ($1,832 psf). The seller had bought the unit in December 1998 for $672,214 ($578 psf). The seller of the unit that generated the lower profit of $1.02 million held the unit for a shorter period. They bought it in June 2010 for $1.06 million ($912 psf) and sold it in April for $2.08 million ($1,789 psf). Source: EdgeProp Buddy (as at 1 July 2025) Since 2020, all three condos have achieved price growth. Bishan 8 led the pack with a growth of 52.6%, followed by Sky Vue (30.5%) and Sky Habitat (25%). This is despite Bishan 8 having the lowest average resale price of $1,811 psf, compared to Sky Vue ($2,180 psf) and Sky Habitat ($1,885 psf) (see Chart 2). Source: EdgeProp Market Trends (as at 2 July 2025) The lower price of Bishan 8 could have supported its stronger price growth compared to the other two condos. Bishan 8's lower price point allowed more room for prices to grow before buyers' resistance set in. With Bishan's new designation as a sub-regional centre, condos near the town centre can expect increased demand, resulting in an uplift in their prices and profitability. Condos nearer to the town centre are likely to attract more demand compared to those further away. HDB flats in Bishan The HDB flats in Bishan are also expected to attract more attention from homebuyers. The number of million-dollar HDB flats in Bishan has been steadily increasing and peaked at 82 flats last year. So far this year, 48 flats in Bishan have changed hands for at least $1 million (see Chart 3). Source: EdgeProp Shortlist (as at 3 July 2025) Resale prices for four-room, five-room, and executive flats in Bishan have also increased steadily. The average resale price for five-room flats ($793 psf) is the highest, followed by executive flats ($771 psf) and four-room flats ($735 psf) (see Chart 4). Source: EdgeProp Market Trend (as at 3 July 2025) All three flat types have chalked up strong price growth since 2020. Four-room flats took the pole position with a price growth of 41.3%, while five-room and executive flats recorded growths of 39.9% and 38.4%, respectively. With Bishan's new designation as a sub-regional centre, increased demand for HDB flats in Bishan can be expected, potentially resulting in higher resale prices and more million-dollar transactions. Paya Lebar: A peek into Bishan's future? After Paya Lebar's designation as a sub-regional centre, the town underwent a massive transformation. The completion of in 2019 added three office towers, Paya Lebar Mall, and the 429-unit Park Place Residences at PLQ to the neighbourhood. This mixed-use development is a short walk from Paya Lebar MRT Station. Park Place Residences at PLQ is located along Paya Lebar Road within District 14. The 99-year leasehold condo obtained its TOP in 2019. Since its launch in 2017, its average price has risen by 26.9% to $2,291 psf (see Chart 5). Source: EdgeProp Market Trends (as at 3 July 2025) There are 24 condos located within walking distance of Paya Lebar MRT Station, but only three are 99-year leasehold developments that obtained their Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) before the completion of Park Place Residences at PLQ in 2019. The three condos are and Sims Residences. Within that distance, Sixteen35 Residences is the only 99-year leasehold condo that obtained its TOP after Park Place Residences at PLQ. The remaining nearby condos are freehold developments. Among the three leasehold condos, Sims Residences (112 units) has the fewest units and is also the newest development, having obtained its TOP in 2002. Both Simsville and Aston Mansion obtained their TOP in 1998, but Simsville (522 units) is significantly larger than Aston Mansion (159 units) (see Table 4).Simsville, Aston Mansion, and Sims Residences are a short walk from the dual-line Paya Lebar MRT Station, with Simsville being the nearest and Aston Mansion the furthest away. Meanwhile, Sims Residences is the nearest to Park Place Residences at PLQ (see Map 2). Source: EdgeProp LandLens (as at 1 July 2025) Simsville's close proximity to the MRT station ($1,402 psf) could explain why its average resale price is trending above that of Aston Mansion ($1,198 psf) and Sims Residences ($1,161 psf) (see Chart 6). Source: EdgeProp Market Trends (as at 3 July 2025) Additionally, Simsville chalked up the highest price growth of 57.9% since 2017, when Park Place Residences at PLQ was launched for sale. In comparison, Aston Mansion and Sims Residences recorded price growths of 52.4% and 45.5%, respectively (see Table 4). Notably, the price growths observed for the trio are significantly higher than that of Park Place Residences at PLQ (26.9%) over the same period. Likewise for the price growths for the three condos are stronger than that for Park Place Residences at PLQ obtained its TOP in 2019 (see Table 4).This could indicate that being designated as a sub-regional centre has boosted the prices of nearby condos, allowing them to experience above-average price growth. Taking our cue from the price performance of condos near the new developments in Paya Lebar, condos near Bishan Town Centre could experience a similar uplift upon completion of the upcoming developments in the town centre. Conclusion As part of the Draft Master Plan 2025, Bishan Town Centre was designated as a new sub-regional centre. New developments, including housing, office, and retail spaces, can be expected in the neighbourhood over the coming years. Paya Lebar has undergone a massive transformation since becoming a sub-regional centre. The completion of Paya Lebar Quarter has given a boost to the prices of nearby condos. It would not be far-fetched to expect existing condos in Bishan to experience similar price growth. Therefore, owner-occupiers should consider Bishan, as the new developments are expected to bring more amenities and convenience to the neighbourhood. Savvy investors might also want to start their search for investment properties in Bishan before prices begin their inevitable rise. Check out the latest listings for Sky Vue, Sky Habitat, Bishan 8, Park Place Residences At Plq properties See Also: Singapore Property for Sale & Rent, Latest Property News, Advanced Analytics Tools New Launch Condo & Landed Property in Singapore (COMPLETE list & updates) More public and private homes in the Draft Master Plan 2025 New homes planned for Dover Road, Newton Circus and Paterson Hill as URA unveils Draft Master Plan 2025 Sky Vue achieves new high of $2,366 psf En Bloc Calculator, Find Out If Your Condo Will Be The Next en-bloc HDB Resale Flats Up For Sale, Affordable Units Available
CNA
26-06-2025
- Business
- CNA
Bishan to get 200,000 sq m of new office space, matching scale of Paya Lebar Central: Chee Hong Tat
SINGAPORE: Plans to develop Bishan into a new business hub could see the introduction of around 200,000 sq m of new office space to the area, said National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (Jun 26). This will match the scale of that in Paya Lebar Central, which currently includes office spaces spread out across the sprawling Paya Lebar Quarter mixed-use development and SingPost Centre. In a video posted on Facebook, Mr Chee also said that work on a new hawker centre integrated with a revamped bus interchange, and a polyclinic in Bishan town centre will start in this term of government and take several years to complete. Plans to refresh Bishan town centre were unveiled in the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 on Wednesday. Redevelopment plans for the area are part of a "decentralisation strategy" to create economic areas beyond the city centre and bring jobs closer to homes. To kickstart the development of this new business hub, selected government agencies are exploring the feasibility of relocating their offices to Bishan town centre, URA has said. Other plans for the area include turning Bishan Place – located next to Junction 8 shopping centre and the bus interchange – into a pedestrian mall, and improved connectivity for residents, said Mr Chee, who is a Member of Parliament for Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC. For instance, residents will be able to cycle to upcoming recreational spaces such as those along the North-South Corridor and Kallang River via new cycling paths. There are also plans for a walking and cycling street along the developments in Bishan Road that will be connected to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, he said. The draft master plan is a statutory land use plan that outlines Singapore's development priorities over the next 10 to 15 years. It is reviewed every five years. The latest edition also included plans for new neighbourhoods in areas such as Newton, Paterson, Dover-Medway along Dover Road, the former site of Singapore Racecourse in Kranji, as well as Paya Lebar Air Base and the Sembawang Shipyard area. Together with earlier announced housing developments in Bukit Timah Turf City and Mount Pleasant, at least 80,000 new public and private homes are expected to be built in more than 10 new neighbourhoods across Singapore over the next 10 to 15 years.
Malay Mail
22-06-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Onn Hafiz urges Putrajaya to let Johor lead decentralised project approvals amid RM10b worth of stalled developments
JOHOR BARU, June 22 – Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has reportedly urged federal authorities to entrust state leaders with the authority to approve and implement development projects more efficiently, amid hundreds of stalled construction plans in Johor. Berita Harian quoted the Johor menteri besar proposing that his state be allowed to pioneer a decentralised model for project implementation, saying this could improve delivery and accountability. 'If they're not ready to implement this nationwide, let Johor be the pioneer,' he was quoted saying. 'God willing, Umno and Barisan Nasional leaders in Johor will uphold their responsibilities with integrity, for the sake of religion, race and country.' He said a total of 222 development projects worth an estimated RM10 billion in Johor, scheduled between 2016 and last year, have yet to begin. Onn Hafiz said the stalled projects, which include roads, mosques, hospitals and health clinics, were intended to benefit the public but remain unimplemented. 'When I asked about it in meetings, they told me not to worry, that they would check with the respective ministries and the projects would be approved. All these projects are meant for the people, and yet, to this day, not a single one has started,' he said. Onn Hafiz, who is also the Johor Umno chief, warned that party leaders would be blamed by the public if the projects continue to stall. 'Councillors, village heads, community leaders — don't just attend meetings for show. If these projects are not moving, if the allocations are not properly utilised, let me ask you — who will the people be angry with? 'The agencies or the Umno leaders? They'll be angry with us. That's why we need to get on the ground and check,' he said. Onn Hafiz also voiced frustration over the persistent delays and the impact on public welfare. 'I don't like reprimanding others, but when it affects the well-being of the people, do not test my resolve. I will fight wholeheartedly for the people and the state of Johor — that's the spirit of Johor Umno,' he said.
Times of Oman
20-05-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Inaugural Governors' Ambassadors Forum kicks off in Muscat
Muscat: The inaugural Governors' Ambassadors Forum, held under the slogan "United by Purpose," began on Tuesday in Muscat Governorate. The event brings together specialists and professionals in project management and administrative governance procedures from various governorates of the Sultanate of Oman. Over three days, the forum will discuss challenges and innovative solutions while presenting work methodologies, contracts, and successful case studies. The forum aims to enhance institutional integration and exchange best practices in contracts and tenders, supporting the government's decentralisation efforts, empowering governorates, and achieving balanced development across Oman. In his opening speech, Eng. Said Hamad Al-Amri, Director General of Tenders at the General Secretariat for Tenders, stated that the Governors' Ambassadors Forum, launched on Tuesday in Muscat, strengthens integration between the Secretariat and governors' offices. It seeks to focus on developmental goals and outcomes by enhancing communication channels and expertise exchange among specialists, as well as reviewing successful project implementation experiences in governorates. This contributes to improving government project efficiency and ensuring cohesive execution of policies and developmental initiatives. He added that the program will be held periodically three times a year—once every four months—with each session hosted in a different governorate selected based on geographic distribution and the number of projects implemented there. Each forum spans three days, featuring field activities, discussion sessions, and site visits to projects. Al Amri explained that the forum aims to share knowledge and experiences among governorates, highlighting key projects, challenges, and developmental opportunities in host governorates. It also seeks to improve communication efficiency between tender offices. Discussion topics include reviewing implemented projects and execution mechanisms, addressing challenges and innovative solutions, presenting work and contract methodologies, and exchanging successful experiences. Additionally, specialized workshops with government stakeholders will be organized. He noted that the programme aims to establish a sustainable communication mechanism among stakeholders in different governorates, enhancing professional performance and contributing to an integrated system for managing projects and tenders—one that considers developmental disparities and economic opportunities in each governorate. Al Amri emphasised that the programme is expected to significantly improve government spending efficiency by enhancing project monitoring, transparency, and accountability, aligning with Oman Vision 2040's priorities in local governance and effective administration. On his turn, Ali Hamad Al Azki, Director General of Financial and Administrative Affairs in Muscat Governorate, stated that the forum is an opportunity to enhance capabilities and develop working tools for governors' offices, in line with decentralization efforts to broaden governorates' authority. This contributes to balanced and sustainable development across all governorates. He added that the forum reflects a unified vision, starting in Muscat, to achieve institutional integration and build a comprehensive national system involving all governorates. This will help improve administrative governance and develop an integrated framework. Meanwhile, Rasha Mohammed Al Salti, Director of Development and Price Indicators at the General Secretariat of the Tender Board, stated that hosting the Governors' Ambassadors Forum will have a tangible positive impact on supporting sustainable development in Oman. She added that the forum represents a key opportunity to strengthen cooperation between the Tender Board and governors' offices, facilitating information and expertise exchange among various entities. It also serves as a platform to enhance government performance by showcasing successful experiences and best practices, positively reflecting on the quality of developmental project execution. She noted that the forum will develop specialists' skills through discussion sessions and workshops, boosting their efficiency in managing projects and tenders. It will also encourage innovation by addressing developmental challenges and proposing solutions, fostering creative problem-solving. She emphasised that the forum will focus on developmental disparities and economic opportunities among governorates, reinforcing efforts toward balanced development that meets local community needs and supports Oman Vision 2040. The forum includes specialized sessions and workshops reviewing governorates' experiences in project and contract management, focusing on key shared challenges and solutions. On the second day, participants will conduct field visits to vital projects in Muscat, including Oman Botanic Garden, Sultan Haitham City, the Al Ansab–Al Jifnain Road project, and the Green Walkway—bridging theory with practical application and promoting hands-on experience exchange. The forum concludes on the third day with specialized working papers presented by experts from Muscat Governorate and the Tender Board, discussing key trends and future opportunities in project management and government procurement. This first-of-its-kind forum is organised by the General Secretariat of the Tender Board in cooperation with governorates and will be held periodically on a rotating basis among governorates—a step toward unifying practices and developing institutional tools in contracts and tenders.
