AMMAN — Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Tuesday said that 85 per cent of projects under the Karak governorate development vision have been completed, adding that all projects are expected to be finalised over the current and coming year at a total cost of JD266 million.

 

Speaking during a Cabinet session held in Karak, Hassan said additional projects worth JD13 million have reached more than 70 per cent completion, bringing the total number of projects in the governorate to 158, implemented and monitored by various ministries, according to a Prime Ministry statement.

 

He stressed that all projects, whether implemented by the government or the Royal Hashemite Court, stem from directives and direct personal follow-up by His Majesty King Abdullah, reflecting the King’s continued interest in Karak.

 

“About a year ago, we met in Karak and set a clear development vision for the governorate, including projects, programmes, funding and implementation timelines over three years,” Hassan said, reiterating the government’s commitment to fully implementing the plan across all governorates.

 

Regarding measures to address damage caused by recent weather conditions, Hassan said the government allocated JD10 million to swiftly repair damaged infrastructure, prevent recurrence and enhance resilience against extreme weather events, noting that such conditions are increasingly affecting countries worldwide.

 

He also commended the Arab Potash Company and Jordan Phosphate Mines Company for providing millions of dinars in support of infrastructure needs.

 

Repair efforts are being carried out according to priorities, alongside support provided to 100 affected families and compensation for 65 farmers, he added.

 

On damage to Karak Castle’s wall, Hassan said necessary measures have been taken to rebuild it, noting that completing studies and restoring the damaged section will be among the ministry’s top priorities in the coming months.

 

He added that the development of Karak Castle forms part of a broader project directed by His Majesty the King in cooperation with Royal Initiatives at the Royal Hashemite Court, under the Karak City Revitalisation Plan.

 

The project includes rehabilitation and maintenance of the castle and downtown area, development of Wadi Bin Hammad, Baraka site and Karak Gate, and the establishment of a cable car launch station linking to the Panorama site, in addition to preserving heritage houses and other initiatives, at a total cost of approximately JD10 million, the statement said.

 

These projects are expected to have a significant impact on tourism and the local economy, he said.

 

Hassan also announced that work on developing the Mutah Battle site will begin in the coming weeks on an area of 75 dunums. He added that construction of the Kharaza–Ghor road is set to be completed this year, responding to long-standing demands from local residents.

 

On productive and investment projects in Karak, the prime minister said job creation remains the top priority, stressing that without expanding economic, investment and productive projects in each governorate, employment opportunities cannot be created.

 

He highlighted the impact of government incentives for Al Hussein bin Abdullah II Industrial Estate in Karak and the Ghor Al Safi Agricultural Industrial Development Zone, noting that 18 companies benefited from these incentives in 2025, with investments totalling around JD27 million.

 

Of these, eight factories are operational, eight are under construction, one is completing environmental requirements, and another agreement is set to be signed by the end of the month. The investments are expected to generate between 300 and 400 jobs for local residents.

 

Hassan added that a JD5 million food industries factory will be inaugurated as a result of incentives granted a year ago, with the government contributing JD2 million, while two additional factories are scheduled to open in the zone this year.

 

The government has also agreed to provide additional support of no less than JD7 million to expand an industrial complex in Qatraneh, expected to create around 2,000 jobs, particularly for local residents. The Ministry of Labour will provide training and ensure suitable working conditions, he added.

 

The prime minister also noted that 220 jobs were created in 2025 following the establishment of a production branch of a garment manufacturing company in the Mujib area, stressing continued efforts to attract further investments.

 

In the education and health sectors, Hassan said the government completed construction of five schools in Karak last year, with five more to be completed this year and an additional 12 schools planned over the next two years, bringing the total to 22 new schools.

 

He added that work is underway on a new outpatient clinic building at Karak Governmental Hospital at a cost of JD5 million, following the rehabilitation of operating rooms.

 

Hassan pointed to the completion of several long-delayed projects, including Prince Faisal Youth City, which was inaugurated around three months ago and completed in one year instead of the originally planned two. He said the expansion of the project will continue.

 

On support for public universities, Hassan said the Cabinet approved the payment of nearly JD100 million in outstanding dues as part of a three-year plan to settle accumulated arrears, stressing that no dues will be left unpaid.

 

He emphasised that the decision is conditional on universities implementing clear and practical measures to improve performance, governance and long-term sustainability