PM checks on weather preparations in field tour to operations rooms

AMMAN — Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Bisher Al Khasawneh on Thursday made a field tour to the main operations rooms at the Interior Ministry, Civil Defence Department (CDD), Public Works Ministry and Greater Amman Municipality (GAM) to check on the work progress on providing services to the public under the current weather conditions.

Khasawneh highlighted the importance of sustaining coordination and cooperation among all field teams, in addition to ensuring utmost readiness to sustain the work of teams and reopening roads in implementation of His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The prime minister praised the efforts of all public and private institutions for working in a joint effort in implementation of the comprehensive plan that was prepared during a meeting of the Civil Defence Higher Council in November to deal with winter. 

The premier also referred to the qualitative operation executed by the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) personnel earlier in the day, which thwarted an infiltration and a large drug smuggling attempt despite the weather conditions.

While at the Interior Ministry’s operations room, Khasawneh checked on the work progress and efforts exerted during the current weather conditions.

Interior Minister Mazen Faraiah said that the government decision to end working hours on Wednesday at 12 noon and halting work on Thursday contributed to limiting the repercussions of the weather conditions.

Visiting the CDD operations room, the prime minister praised the “high level” performance of the Public Security Directorate and its various departments, including the CDD, in coordination with all stakeholders.

PSD Director Maj. Gen. Hussein Hawatmehhighlighted the significance of sustaining work at the same level of effectiveness by all PSD personnel. 

During the visit to the Public Works Ministry, the premier praised the level of all the concerned institutions in implementing their duties, reiterating the importance of removing snow from roads leading to hospitals and providing them with necessary equipment to sustain their work.

While at GAM, Khasawneh urged stakeholders to deal effectively with the effects of the weather conditions, such as high levels of water in tunnels and low-altitude areas and power cuts.