Royal directives: Issawi, ministerial team check on phosphate hills rehabilitation project

AMMAN — Under the Royal directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi and a ministerial team on Thursday checked on the project of rehabilitating the phosphate hills in Ruseifa district in Zarqa Governorate, which is conducted by the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company.

The tour included Minister of Public Works and Housing Yahya Kisbi, Minister of Environment Nabil Masarweh, as well as Chairman of the Jordan Phosphate Mines Company (JPMC) Mohammad Thneibat and Amman Mayor Yousef Shawarbeh.

His Majesty, during his visit to Ruseifa, had highlighted the challenges faced by the residents, notably environmental pollution, and instructed to urgently address the environmental problems, especially the problem of phosphate hills, drawing attention to the importance of improving the services and upgrading the region's infrastructure.

The tour is aimed at checking on the progress of the project, as well as easing all obstacles that may hinder the implementation of the project, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Issawi, during his visit, said that the project was launched as per direct Royal directives aimed at enhancing the environmental and developmental status of the area and in response to the needs of its residents.

He noted that the Royal Court has coordinated with all related bodies to find radical solutions to improve the region's development and environment situation.

The gathering was briefed on the stages of the project, as the project’s total completion rate stands at 73 per cent, and it is expected to be finished by the end of 2022.

Thneibat, in press interviews, said that the rehabilitation project, at a cost estimated at JD30 million, is aimed at transforming 3,000 to 4,000 dunums into exploitable lands by constructing playgrounds, gardens, parks, among other public facilities, within a comprehensive regulatory plan for the area.

Phosphate mining works have been suspended in Ruseifa area since 1985, and the total volume of waste in the area is estimated at 7 million cubic metres.