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- JD300m allocated for water infrastructure works in Zarqa
- JD102m Zarqa Military Hospital project to begin operations in 2028
- Natural gas supply expanded to Zarqa Industrial City to boost competitiveness
- Gov’t to purchase 100,000–110,000 tonnes of wheat, barley from local farmers
ZARQA — Minister of Government Communication Mohammad Momani said that Zarqa’s development programme amounts to around JD800 million over three years.
Speaking at a press briefing following the Cabinet session held in Zarqa, Momani described the programme as a major investment package expected to deliver substantial improvements across key sectors, particularly water, health, transport, and public services.
Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, said that the Cabinet meetings are aimed at strengthening direct engagement with citizens and local stakeholders while monitoring the implementation of development projects across the Kingdom.
He said that the approach reflects a “continuous communication methodology” between the government and the public through daily engagement, bilateral meetings, and regular press briefings on Cabinet decisions and policies.
The minister also referred to His Majesty King Abdullah’s recent visit to Zarqa, saying it reflects continued Royal attention to the governorate and a commitment to addressing citizens’ needs and advancing development priorities in line with Royal directives.
On water, he said that projects account for around JD300 million of the total development allocation, including JD17 million for transmission lines for Hallaqat wells and related water transfer works. Six wells have been drilled in the area, alongside rehabilitation of water networks across the governorate, he said.
He also highlighted a JD51 million wastewater treatment plant in Al Ghabawi and a JD30 million transmission line project linking Ain Ghazal treatment plant to Khirbet Al Samra.
Treated wastewater, he said, is used for restricted agriculture, generating savings of around 200 million cubic metres annually.
Momani said that Zarqa’s health sector has seen significant improvements, including upgrades at Zarqa Government Hospital such as new waiting halls in emergency and outpatient departments and the establishment of a 100-square-metre “green zone” to ease pressure on emergency beds.
"Hospital capacity has increased to 479 beds, with 470 doctors now working at the facility, including consultants and specialists," he said.
"Five evening health centres have also been opened, serving around 700 patients daily and reducing pressure on Prince Faisal Hospital by 40 per cent and on Zarqa Government Hospital by 22 per cent, according to Health Ministry figures."
In education, The minister said that four new schools have been completed, seven are under construction, and 500 additional classrooms are being added across the governorate. He also noted a decision allowing the Jordan Armed Forces–Arab Army (JAF) to use 20 dunums of forest land in Birin to establish a military culture school.
In local administration, Momani said the new Zarqa sanitation project is valued at JD21 million, in addition to JD6 million in municipal services and JD3.5 million in development projects. Reconstruction works for the phosphate railway are valued at JD4 million.
He said the Amman–Zarqa Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project continues through infrastructure packages worth JD68 million, noting it has already served around 15 million passengers and eased congestion between the two cities. Additional works include road maintenance and a JD12.3 million transport terminal near the BRT station.
In social development, projects worth JD38 million include cash assistance through the National Aid Fund benefiting 37,000 families, alongside housing support and emergency aid. Around 118,000 citizens have benefited from productive family loans and grants. A National Autism Centre has also been established.
Momani said energy projects include replacing 15,000 streetlights with energy-efficient systems, installing solar systems for 285 households, and a JD28 million project to supply natural gas to Zarqa Industrial City.
He added that phase one of infrastructure development in Zarqa Industrial City is underway at JD21.5 million, alongside expansion works in Dulail Industrial Zone.
In labour, he said JD1.73 million is being allocated through employment programmes targeting 1,900 job seekers in 2025, in addition to JD1.5 million for small and medium enterprises and JD5 million for industrial support covering 44 projects.
Momani also said that Cabinet decisions included a draft amended regulation for currency exchange companies, extending compliance deadlines until 2028, and a mechanism for purchasing wheat and barley.
The minister also said that JD45 million has been allocated, up from JD19 million last year, for the purchase of grain expected from farmers, estimated at around 100,000–110,000 tonnes.
