In the Tafilah Cabinet session, ministers outlined ongoing and upcoming projects across various sectors in Tafilah, reflecting the government’s commitment to local development and service improvement.

Labour and employment initiatives:
Minister of Labour Khaled Bakkar reported that 35 individuals have been employed so far through the National Employment Programme, which aims to support 150 workers in 2025. From 2022 to 2025, a total of 923 workers have benefited from the programme.

One hundred ninety three trainees – men and women – are currently undergoing training in diverse specialisations via the vocational training corporation, alongside 157 trainees in tourism, agriculture and communications technology sectors.

Bakkar announced a project to expand a production branch in Al-Hasa District, which is expected to create 500 job opportunities for residents. Construction is set to begin in 2026. He noted that Tafilah currently has three operational production branches:

– In Busayra, with a capacity of 700 workers but currently employing 450, with space for 250 more.
– In Arweem, operating at full capacity with 350 workers.
– In Al-Hasa, employing 440 out of a 500-worker capacity.

He emphasised that expanding production without corresponding demand for new jobs is not economically feasible. To address employment gaps, he tasked the Director of Labour in Tafilah with announcing private sector vacancies and noted that about 500 unlicensed migrant workers and 2,500 valid work permits are present in the governorate.

Filling these positions with local youth could significantly reduce unemployment.

Health sector developments:
Minister of Health Firas Hawari outlined efforts to upgrade health services in the region, including maintenance of Ain Al-Bayda, Busayra and Old Qadisiyah health centers. Construction of the Wadi Zaid Primary Health Centre will commence in 2026, alongside the digitalisation of health services in the governorate.
Regarding Tafilah Hospital, he stated that it currently employs 41 specialists and 183 nurses, totaling 514 staff members. The hospital’s occupancy rate stands at 25%, leading to the closure of one floor to cut costs.

The hospital has three cardiologists and a new catheterisation laboratory will be operational by September 2024, having already performed 22 procedures.

Municipal and infrastructure projects:
Minister of Local Administration Walid Masri announced service projects worth JOD8.25 million in sectors such as public works, water, health and social development. Development projects total around JOD742,000, with municipal service projects valued at about JOD2 million.

Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Alsaud highlighted key projects, including the Qadisiyah water transmission line, expected to be completed by 2027 and the drilling of new wells in Al-Hasa and Jurf Al-Darawish.

Efforts are also underway to rehabilitate water networks to reduce high water loss.

Social and educational projects:
Minister of Social Development Wafa Bani Mustafa discussed ongoing initiatives, including constructing the Al-Ays Community Development Centre, building 18 housing units for needy families this year and 92 more next year. An early intervention unit will also be established in Busayra in 2026.

Minister of Education Azmi Mahafzah shared plans to establish four new schools, enlarge classrooms in nine existing schools and undertake maintenance work on 12 schools.

Transport and agricultural development:
Public Works and Housing Minister Maher Abu Al-Samen detailed ongoing improvements to the Tafilah/Karak Road (King’s Road), including the first phase of a 14-kilometer lighting project from Al-Hasa to Tafilah, with completion scheduled for next year.

Future projects include paving and lighting work on other key roads connecting the region.

Minister of Agriculture Khaled Hneifat outlined water harvesting initiatives, including digging wells, earth dams and canal maintenance, alongside the development of the Qadisiyah Agricultural Centre and forest projects in Al-Hasa.

Cultural and environmental projects:
Acting Minister of Culture Abdullah Adwan announced plans to produce cultural and historical films over the next two years and support local initiatives like Dana Creative Camp.

Minister of Environment Muawiyah Radaydeh spoke about establishing the Abel Environmental Park, expected to be completed in 2026, which will serve as a recreational area and promote environmental awareness.

He highlighted Jordan’s climate resilience project, launched in 2022, which aims to implement 100 water harvesting systems on public buildings and 1,356 on homes, alongside training 100 women in climate adaptation practices.

Youth and investment efforts:
Minister of Youth Yazan Shdeifat discussed projects including establishing a multi-purpose sports hall in Ain Al-Baida, replanting the Tafila Sports Complex with natural grass and constructing two football fields in Al-Hussein and Arhab.

Minister of Investment Muthanna Gharaibeh reported on the first phase of developing Tafila Industrial City, with an investment of nearly JOD19 million supporting 23 companies and creating approximately 546 jobs.

Incentives such as electricity discounts, wage subsidies and export port subsidies are offered to bolster industrial growth.

Energy, security and tourism:
Minister of Energy Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted ongoing energy projects, including replacing municipal street lighting with energy-efficient LED systems and supporting solar energy installations.

Minister of Interior Mazen Faraya discussed mosque maintenance, homes for poor families, solar projects for mosques and rehabilitation efforts to create employment.

Minister of Digital Economy Sami Smeirat mentioned plans to rehabilitate a heritage building in Dana as a tourism info centre, restore Al-Sila Castle and Deir Palace, and train 100 local youth in tourism skills.

He announced a project to operate a branch of the Platform tech training centre, aiming to empower 500 users.

Community engagement and local leadership:
Local leaders and representatives extended warm congratulations to King Abdullah II, Crown Prince Al Hussein and all Jordanians on the 79th Independence Day.

They praised the government’s approach of field visits and direct engagement with citizens, urging further support for Tafilah’s development, including investments, university assistance, tourism promotion and infrastructure improvements at Tafilah Hospital.

Governor Omar Zyoud expressed pride in hosting the Cabinet, emphasising that such visits embody the directives of His Majesty to prioritise field work and monitor progress across sectors, reinforcing the government’s commitment to regional development.

The session concluded with calls for enhanced support for local agriculture, tourism, healthcare and youth initiatives, aiming to elevate Tafilah’s socio-economic standing and ensure sustainable growth.

//Petra// AK
26/05/2025 17:05:07