Jerash/Bani Kenanah, Aug. 31 (Petra) — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday laid the foundation stone for the Jerash Eco-Tourism Village project and inspected four health, educational, social, and productive facilities in Bani Kenanah District, Irbid Governorate, as part of his field tours.
Speaking at the ceremony, attended by the ministers of Local Administration, Tourism and Antiquities, and Environment, the Prime Minister stressed the need to complete the village project’s phases on schedule for operations to begin by mid-2027. He said the village will boost the tourism sector in Jerash and provide a unique and integrated tourism environment.
The 210-dunum project, implemented by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, is located in a mountainous area overlooking Jerash and Dibbeen forests, Tal Rumman, and the surrounding hills of the Zarqa River, just 10 minutes from Jerash’s archaeological city.
It will feature an eco-hotel with 55 rooms, a sustainable eco-park reflecting Jerash’s identity, a visitors’ center with conference halls, restaurants, family and children’s facilities, adventure activities, and spaces to showcase and market local products.
During his tour, Hassan visited Yarmouk Government Hospital, which serves about 250,000 patients annually. Accompanied by the Minister of Health, he instructed the construction of a new outpatient building covering 1,600 square meters, increasing dialysis units, providing equipment, and adding specialized staff to enhance services.
He also visited Al-Amal Center for Special Education with the Minister of Social Development, praising its 25 years of service and vocational projects in tailoring, carpentry, and agriculture. He directed financial support, transport services, facility renovations, and upgrades.
At Kufrsoum Secondary School for Boys, attended by the Minister of Education, Hassan listened to teachers’ needs and ordered general maintenance, yard renovations, a computer lab, a teachers’ lounge, new sanitary units, and installation of solar energy and modern cooling systems. The school accommodates about 450 students.
In Kufrsoum, Hassan toured the Kufrsoum Agricultural Cooperative Association for Pomegranate Producers, accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture. He praised its initiatives producing 14 types of pomegranate-based products, alongside farming, livestock, beekeeping, dairy, and handicrafts. He directed support to expand its training and development programs, enabling beneficiaries to establish their own businesses and create sustainable jobs.
The Prime Minister emphasized that such projects reinforce local community development and align with national efforts to enhance tourism, health, education, and agricultural productivity across Jordan.
//Petra// AO
31/08/2025 15:54:36
