Latest news with #Irbid
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Bus routes connecting Amman with Irbid, Jerash launched
AMMAN — Minister of Transport Wissam Tahtamouni on Tuesday inaugurated the Amman–Irbid and Amman–Jerash bus routes, as part of the transportation project between the capital and other governorates. The project, funded by government support totalling JD4.5 million, aims to enhance the integration and reliability across the Kingdom, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. The project includes the operation of 39 buses on the Amman–Irbid route and 15 buses on the Amman–Jerash line. An additional nine buses are expected to join the Jerash route soon, bringing the total fleet serving the two routes to 63 modern buses. These vehicles are equipped with 'advanced' technologies designed to ensure passenger comfort and safety, including vehicle tracking systems, electronic fare collection, onboard surveillance cameras, and real-time passenger information systems. Tahtamouni said that this initiative is part of a broader national plan to modernise public transportation between the capital and the governorates. She described the project as a 'genuine' step towards establishing a smart and efficient public transport network that improves service delivery and facilitates citizens' mobility, all while maintaining technical, administrative and regulatory standards. The minister also noted that the pilot operations have shown promising results, with both routes currently serving around 3,000 passengers per day on weekdays. This number is expected to rise progressively to 7,000 daily passengers as service frequency and operational efficiency improve to meet growing demand for intercity transport. Tahtamouni announced that the trial operation of the Amman–Karak route also commenced on Tuesday, while the Amman–Salt line will begin its pilot phase later this month. Both are scheduled for official launch at the beginning of August, as part of the project's rollout. Tahtamouni reiterated the ministry's commitment to completing all phases of the project on schedule, in alignment with the transport needs of citizens nationwide. The project is being implemented by the Comprehensive Multiple Transportation Company, the official operator, under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Transport and the Land Transport Regulatory Commission. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
FAO, Norway conclude agrifood systems transformation project in Jordan
AMMAN — The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) and the government of Norway, in close cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture in Jordan, on Monday held the closing ceremony for the 'impactful' project, "Transformation to more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable agrifood systems." Funded by the Norwegian embassy in Jordan, this initiative aimed to enhance food security and create decent work opportunities for vulnerable communities across the Kingdom, according to a FAO statement. The closing ceremony gathered key figures including Secretary-General of the Ministry of Agriculture Mohammed Hayari, who deputised for the minister of agriculture, Deputy Head of Mission at the Norwegian embassy Anniken Kleven-Gasser, and FAO Representative in Jordan Nabil Assaf. The event served as a crucial platform to showcase the project's achievements, gather direct insights from beneficiaries, and collaboratively discuss recommendations for maximising the impact of FAO's future endeavours in Jordan. This project targeted vulnerable Jordanian farmers and Syrian refugees residing in the governorates of Tafileh, Madaba, Irbid and Balqa. Through a comprehensive range of interventions, the initiative directly supported over 1,700 individuals and households, making a substantial contribution to their economic well-being and agricultural resilience. The beneficiaries were 'carefully' selected based on socio-economic criteria, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and community-based organisations, ensuring the inclusion of diverse vulnerable groups such as female-headed households, people with disabilities and the elderly. Assaf highlighted the project's 'significant and far-reaching' contributions. He noted that 321 beneficiaries received support through agricultural grant activities, while 275 beneficiaries benefited from training through Farmer Field Schools and Farm Business Schools. The initiative also provided 170 households with composting units, promoting sustainable waste management practices, Assaf said. He added that 204 beneficiaries gained improved access to essential financial services and vital agricultural markets, and the project created 840 temporary jobs, offering crucial income opportunities. In a 'notable' innovation, Assaf said that a fish farming system with a seasonal capacity of 43,000 fish was established, and a comprehensive assessment of food loss was conducted for three key crops, providing valuable data to inform strategies for waste reduction. "This project has truly made a tangible difference in the lives of many vulnerable individuals and families," said Assaf. "By focusing on crucial areas like capacity building, facilitating access to finance, and strengthening market linkages, we've empowered communities to cultivate more sustainable and resilient livelihoods within the broader agrifood system," he said. Klever-Gasser underscored the 'profound' importance of this collaborative effort, saying: 'Norway is proud to have supported this initiative, which has helped strengthen resilience and unlock opportunities for farmers, youth, and women in some of Jordan's most vulnerable communities.' 'We commend FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture for their leadership, and we deeply value the efforts of everyone who contributed to the project's implementation, from technical teams to local partners and beneficiaries. The knowledge and partnerships developed through this collaboration will continue to have an impact,' she added. Hayari also made remarks on the project's success, stressing the importance of cooperating with all relevant authorities to train the workforce, enable farmers to meet market needs, provide infrastructure to support agricultural exports, and enhance monitoring tools for quarantine pests and diseases. The project's core objective was to enhance the ability of Syrian refugees and Jordanian host communities in rural areas to 'successfully' participate in effective and sustainable agri-food systems, according to the statement. This was achieved through an integrated programme that included comprehensive training, the distribution of essential tools, improved access to microfinance and markets, and direct job creation. This initiative represents a crucial step towards fostering sustainable food security and creating decent employment opportunities, while advocating for the reduction of food waste, a critical factor for long-term sustainability and comprehensive rural development across Jordan, the statement added. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
27-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Farmers in Irbid receive over $2.8mln in agricultural loans — official
AMMAN — The Irbid branch of the Agricultural Credit Corporation has begun providing interest-free loans to livestock breeders, including those raising sheep, cattle, and camels, according to the branch director, Malik Akour. Akour said the programme, which began at the start of 2025, also includes agricultural loans for farmers and rural families across the villages and districts of Irbid Governorate. 'So far, around 136 farmers have benefited from the loans,' the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. As of June 24, the total value of loans disbursed by the branch reached JD 2,061,444, distributed across several categories. Interest-free loans to livestock breeders amounted to JD 325,000, benefiting 90 recipients, he said. He also said that loans worth JD325,000 were allocated to support women's empowerment and rural family projects aimed at combating poverty and unemployment, with 10 borrowers benefiting. Rural financing projects received JD203,000, supporting 55 borrowers, while JD1,185,000 was directed toward land reclamation, livestock development, and food processing projects, aiding 200 farmers. Akour emphasised the corporation's role in supporting the sustainability of the agricultural sector this year, particularly amid a delayed rainy season and low rainfall. 'The interest-free loans have helped ensure the availability of livestock feed, compensating for the shortage of natural grazing lands this season. Additionally, agricultural and food processing projects have been funded with highly subsidised interest rates.' © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
24-06-2025
- General
- Zawya
Jordanian Delegation explored 'forward looking' solutions for climate resilient, urban water management in Netherlands
AMMAN – A delegation from Jordan headed by UN-Habitat Jordan concluded last week a five-day field visit to Netherlands under 'Smart Urban Water Management' project to explore smart water solutions. The knowledge exchange mission funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan, brought together national and municipal experts from the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Public Works and Housing, Greater Amman Municipality, Greater Irbid and Mafraq Municipalities and the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature. During the field visit, the delegation learnt about the Dutch expertise on managing flash floods, harvesting rainwater, and transforming urban infrastructure into green and adaptive systems, according to UN-Habitat. Head of UN-Habitat Jordan Country Programme, Deema Abu Thiab stressed that "We are not importing solutions, we are co-developing scalable models tailored for Jordan's context, such as green rooftops in Irbid, sponge gardens in Amman and smart irrigation in Mafraq." She added "We aim to mainstream nature-based solutions in urban policies and plans." Greater Amman Municipality representative, Nemeh Al Qatanani addressed the importance of the mission as Jordan is one of the world's most water-scarce countries, and its vulnerability to climate-induced flooding and drought has reached a tipping point. She said that "Water Square is not hidden underground or fenced off, it is human-centered resilience, integrating stormwater retention with recreation, learning and civic pride." Hydrologist at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Alaa Hawamdeh, said "The visit offered inspiring lessons in transforming urban- related water challenges into opportunities." She added "We saw football fields that double as rainwater reservoirs, and rooftops that are not just green but also functional and climate responsive." The participants outlined a knowledge exchange roadmap and are planning "pilot" initiatives for Jordanian cities; a toolkit of Urban Green Infrastructure Typologies is now under development, translating Dutch innovation into local action, according to UN-Habitat. The Ministry of Environment representative, Sarah Al-Haleeq, noted that "The practical assignment bridged theory with practice". She added "It was a bold reminder that small interventions, when guided by sound policies and local plans and implemented through a participatory approach, can trigger systemic change." For his part, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at World Waternet, Kees van der Lugt, emphasised the "importance" of system thinking and long-term collaboration in sustainable water management. Regional Director said "Peer-to-peer cooperation and a full water cycle approach are key to mainstreaming the implementation of green infrastructure," He added that "Sustainable impact emerges when knowledge and responsibility are shared across cities and sectors." During the Rotterdam site visit, the delegation saw the "multifunctional" public spaces, such as the iconic Benthemplein Water Square, as well as innovative and smart approach to city planning and urban design can contribute to enhancing water security. Greater Irbid Municipality representative, Rabab Ali "We must transform Irbid into a sponge city, where rainfall becomes a resource, not a risk." Mafraq Municipality representative, Suhaib Al-Harasheh, talked about the insights were practical and inspiring. He said "By harvesting rainwater in public spaces and greening them, we can create multifunctional areas that mitigate climate impacts, address water scarcity, enhance food security and foster inclusive community Greater Amman Municipality representative, Tamam Al-Hussami, said "It was a walk through the greener future, where research and engineering converge to create deployable, smart urban water solutions."
Asharq Al-Awsat
14-06-2025
- Asharq Al-Awsat
3 Injured in Jordan by Unspecified Falling Object
Three people were wounded in Jordan's northern city of Irbid when an object fell on a home, state media reported Saturday. They were taken to a hospital and are in stable condition, the Jordan News Agency said. The report did not specify what the object was, but Iranian missiles and drones fired toward Israel flew over Jordan. Jordanian authorities have begun an investigation, the report said.
