Gov’t working to meet Ramtha’s development needs — PM

AMMAN — The government is aware of challenges facing the residents of Ramtha District, which is the most affected by the repercussions of the Syrian crisis and hosts huge numbers of refugees due to its proximity to the Syrian border, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said Monday.

Heading a ministerial team on a visit to the district, some 90km north of Amman, Ensour met with community leaders and residents, and said that Jordan has not received enough support to deal with the refugee crisis over the past four years, and its efforts on the issue have not been fairly appreciated.

The prime minister stressed that this situation forces Jordanians to better manage and distribute their resources, utilising them justly and transparently, the Jordan News, Petra, reported.

Earlier this month, His Majesty King Abdullah urged ministers and officials to “leave their offices and go to the field,” reiterating the importance of establishing connections with citizens in their places of residence as part of government policies.

Ensour reiterated the government’s commitment to fulfilling its promises and more, noting that it is dedicated to serving citizens.

The premier noted that the Ramtha visit had been scheduled in January but was postponed over the death of air force pilot Muath Kasasbeh.

Referring to residents’ demands, Ensour said the district has witnessed some developments but more is needed.

At the same time, the premier urged Ramtha residents to take into consideration the fact that the current circumstances are the hardest the country has faced throughout its history, according to Petra.

He also stressed that despite all regional challenges, “we still meet to discuss issues related to development, education, water, employment and universities, which is an achievement that countries bigger than Jordan, in terms of size and money, cannot realise.”

The premiere also said that all residents’ demands are fair, but financial constraints require distributing resources according to priorities.

Ramtha District Director Bader Al Qadi said the area has received 70,000 Syrian refugees, which “greatly” affected its vital sectors.

In previous remarks to The Jordan Times, Qadi estimated the indigenous population of Ramtha at 80,000.

In response to Ramtha residents’ demands, Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Mohammad Thneibat said the ministry has floated tenders to build 13 schools and classroom expansions and will work to meet the district’s needs of schools by next year.

Planning Minister Imad Fakhoury noted that the government has allocated JD8 million from the Gulf Cooperation Council grant to implement infrastructure projects in Irbid and Ramtha, while Health Minister Ali Hiasat said the ministry increased the number of doctors and nurses at Ramtha Public Hospital, which will also receive a new ambulance within the next few weeks.

Public Works Minister Sami Halaseh said the ministry is currently implementing nine school projects, which will be ready by September.

Social Development Minister Reem Abu Hassan said the ministry’s directorate in the district has received 40 applications for housing units for underprivileged families, 17 of which meet the conditions, noting that 11 beneficiaries will receive residences this year.

During the tour, Ensour visited Ramtha Public Hospital, where he met patients and listened to their remarks regarding services, with some of them complaining about shortages of medical supplies and cadres.