King visits GAM, checks on its five-year strategy

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday stressed the need for residents of Amman to receive quality services from the Greater Amman Municipality (GAM), commending the efforts of its workers.

During a visit to GAM, King Abdullah, accompanied by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, noted the need to expand public parks and recycling projects to protect the environment, calling for replicating the experience in other governorates, according to a Royal Court statement.

During the meeting — attended by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh, and GAM council members and department heads — His Majesty was briefed on the municipality’s five-year strategy and underscored the need for tangible results for residents throughout its implementation.

Prime Minister Khasawneh said the government will cooperate with GAM to secure financing for the projects within the strategy from donors, especially environmental projects and increasing the number of electric buses.

The prime minister noted the government’s interest in GAM’s waste recycling project, which will be carried out through a partnership between the public and private sectors, saying the experience will be replicated around the Kingdom, starting with the most densely populated areas.

Discussing the pillars of GAM’s strategy, Mayor Shawarbeh said it includes 212 projects and initiatives at a total cost of JD918 million, stressing it is in line with Jordan’s Economic Modernisation Vision, especially in relation to improving the standard of living for Jordanians.

The strategy also addresses climate change and population growth, added Shawarbeh, noting it includes a 10-year development plan for public transport, and also aims to bolster investments, preserve the environment, enhance infrastructure, and solve traffic problems.

According to the strategy, GAM will establish a solid waste management company and a biomechanical plant to treat organic waste with a daily capacity of 239 tonnes that will produce energy and fertilisers.

GAM will also establish and rehabilitate public parks at a cost of JD44 million, supply the Amman Bus project with 136 new buses and 15 electric buses, complete the Bus Rapid Transit project, and implement traffic solutions over 50km of roads at a total cost of JD281 million.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan accompanied His Majesty on the visit.