Fuheis residents reject ministry's decisions in Lafarge land case

AMMAN — The Fuheis Popular Committee on Monday issued a statement in protest to Minister of Municipal Affairs Walid Masri's directives related to the organisation of lands formerly used by a factory owned by French company Lafarge.

The cement factory, which operated in the area for 65 years, has stopped work in 2013 following demands by the residents of Fuheis, 20km west of Amman.

The committee said that the minister has given "unannounced" directives to Balqa Municipality's engineering department to commence sorting and zoning the land upon a request from Lafarge.

The measure affirms that the minister is keen on fulfilling the demands of the company rather than the demands of residents, the statement said.

The ministry's decisions have triggered condemnation and criticism of residents, Fuheis Municipality and the local community institutions, as the ministry and the company are attempting to impose their decisions without the approval of the local community.

"Lafarge has transformed from a cement factory into a real estate company with a miracle," said the statement.

Lafarge is attempting to trade with the lands of the factory, which were acquired for public purposes.

The committee stressed its support to Fuheis Municipal Council and demanded the cancellation of the ministry's measures. 

"Instead of supporting the people of Fuheis, the minister facilitates the task for Lafarge to sell 1,500 dunum that the French company has acquired without paying one dinar," according to the committee.

Last year, Members of Fuheis municipal council resigned, claiming that they are being pressured into approving Lafarge’s planned urban development project on the site of the Fuheis cement factory.