Public Works Minister, Saudi Fund Delegation Review Infrastructure Projects

Amman, Oct. 13 (Petra) — Public Works and Housing Minister Maher Abu
al-Samen and a Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) delegation headed by
Abdullah Sahil, reviewed progress on fund-financed projects in
Jordan, including completion rates, challenges and ways to address
them to ensure the projects are finished on schedule.

During talks held in Amman, the two sides discussed the status of
fund-financed road and building projects, which cover infrastructure,
education and health.

The discussions also went over measures to speed up work and remove
technical and administrative obstacles that could affect progress.

The meeting covered road projects, led by the Desert Road
rehabilitation and construction project, completed at a total cost of
about $138 million. It also covered maintenance and rehabilitation of
sections of the Desert Road, and the road to the Karama crossing and
the Al-Rukban and Al-Hadalat border area.

Also reviewed were Prince Faisal Hospital in Yajouz, Zarqa
Governorate, and school construction projects in several
governorates. A presentation showed 12 of 16 schools financed by the
Saudi loan completed, and all eight schools financed by the first
Saudi grant finished. Five of six schools financed by the second
Saudi grant are done, and work continues on the remaining projects.

Abu al-Samen urged continued coordination with the fund to complete
projects and resolve implementation challenges.

He said the ministry follows every stage of implementation and is
committed to technical specifications, quality standards and approved
timelines, to achieve the projects’ development and service goals.

Abu al-Samen highlighted the Fund’s support for Jordan, saying it
reflects the deep ties between Jordan and Saudi Arabia. He said the
support has helped implement “strategic” projects that improved
infrastructure and public services for citizens across the
governorates.

Valuing the fund’s role in supporting development in Jordan, he
voiced hope that the joint cooperation will continue and expand in
the coming period to serve the shared interests of the two countries.

The meeting, which is part of joint follow-up on Fund-financed
projects, aims at ensuring the completion of ongoing projects and
achieving their intended goals.

//Petra// NQ