Gov’t measures to plug abandoned wells draw public praise

AMMAN — After the tragic passing of the Moroccan child Rayan, who fell into a 32-metre-deep well, the Ministry of Local Administration called on citizens to inform municipalities of any abandoned pits or wells which pose a threat to public safety so that necessary actions will be taken.

According to the Ministry of Local Administration, committees were formed in all administrative units, chaired by the administrative governors, aiming to identify and deal with abandoned wells within their jurisdiction.

The ministry stated that the municipality of Birain plugged an eight-metre-deep hole while the municipality of Duleil covered three abandoned and open water wells.

The municipalities of Balama, West Irbid and Irbid’s Bani Kenana Brigade are also sealing several abandoned wells.

Water Ministry Spokesperson Omar Salameh told The Jordan Times on Wednesday that all water wells belonging to the ministry “are fenced and well closed, they have means of protection as no one can approach them, they do not pose a threat to the safety of anyone”.

Social media users expressed content with the government’s covering of abandoned wells and many posted photos of abandoned wells while tagging the Greater Amman Municipality.

Jordanian citizen Riham Qadi tweeted in Arabic: “There are a number of deep holes on the sides of the roads, we reported them and the municipality has already come and marked them. They were surprisingly fast.”

Facebook user Ahmad Awni encouraged everyone to post and warn their neighbours and others of abandoned wells and holes in their areas.

“Whether children or adults, we should be careful and we must report any hazard we see and warn others of it in order not to experience any tragedy and keep our people safe,” he posted in Arabic.

Ala’a Madi, a Jordanian living in Zarqa, praised the efforts of the government in keeping citizens safe: “The government is always working to keep us safe, and I always make sure to report anything that might pose a threat to my kids’ or other people’s safety. Even if they come late they end up doing it eventually which is what is important.”