Latest news with #MaherAbulSamen
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan, Saudi Fund for Development discuss boosting cooperation
AMMAN — Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abul Samen on Monday met with a delegation from the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to discuss cooperation and accelerating the progress of joint development projects. The meeting, held at the ministry's headquarters, was attended by the ministry's Secretary General Jamal Qutaishat and representatives from the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, according to Al Mamlaka TV. Abul Samen expressed appreciation for the Saudi fund's continued support in financing a range of vital projects across the Kingdom, reiterating the ministry's commitment to fostering deeper collaboration with the Fund and addressing any challenges that may hinder project implementation. He also commended the SFD's contributions to school construction projects, which have significantly improved educational infrastructure and helped alleviate overcrowding in classrooms. The minister also stressed the importance of immediate communication regarding any project-related obstacles, assuring the ministry's readiness to resolve issues in coordination with relevant authorities. During the meeting, Director of the Buildings Department at the ministry Iman Obeidat presented an overview of ongoing school construction projects funded by the SFD, as well as future plans under the framework of continued Jordanian-Saudi cooperation. The discussions come as part of the ministry's broader efforts to strengthen partnerships with international donors and ensure the effective delivery of development projects in support of Jordan's sustainable growth, Al Mamlaka TV reported. The minister also emphasised the need to uphold the highest standards of transparency and to adhere strictly to agreed project timelines. He also called for enhanced coordination with all stakeholders and close monitoring of both technical and financial aspects to ensure smooth and uninterrupted progress. He also underlined the importance of timely and regular disbursement of project-related funds to avoid delays in implementation. The SFD delegation commended the ministry's efforts in managing and executing SFD-financed projects, expressing their commitment to continued coordination and cooperation in the period ahead. They reiterated the Fund's dedication to supporting projects that serve shared interests and contribute to Jordan's development objectives.
Zawya
19-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Jordan: Public Works Ministry, customs department discuss projects to rehabilitate border crossings
AMMAN — Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abul Samen and Director General of the Customs Department Major General Ahmad Akalik on Wednesday discussed key infrastructure projects aimed at modernising Jordan's border facilities and enhancing customs procedures. Talks during the meeting reviewed completed customs infrastructure designs and implementation tenders, including the new customs escort buildings in Wadi Al Yutum and Al Sultaniah, which will be overseen by the ministry's technical teams, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. Attending officials stressed that the tender for a new customs escort facility in Azraq is ready for issuance later this month. discussions also covered constructing a secure truck lane for hazardous materials at the Omari border crossing, which will feature a 'fully integrated' electronic gate, as well as the "Drive Thru" initiative to streamline customs procedures by establishing unified service windows at the end of inspection lanes. The meeting also addressed operational challenges, particularly at the Omari border crossing, which is currently processing around 1,000 trucks per day. Akalik highlighted upcoming improvements, including the implementation of the "escorted convoys" system in cooperation with security agencies and the launch of a pre-clearance system for goods starting next month to accelerate customs processing. These projects align with Jordan's broader customs modernisation strategy, which focuses on integrated management systems and the transition to a unified electronic environment. Abul Samen reiterated the government's commitment to transforming border crossings into 'smart, efficient' systems that balance trade facilitation with national economic protection. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Minister reiterates Jordan's commitment to Syria's reconstruction
AMMAN — Public Works and Housing Minister Maher Abul Samen on Wednesday reiterated Jordan's support for Syria's reconstruction efforts. During a meeting with Syrian Engineers Syndicate President Malek Haj Ali, Abul Samen highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah's directives to provide all possible assistance in supporting Syria's recovery, according to a ministry statement. The minister noted that Jordanian sectors, particularly engineering and consultancy, are ready to extend support and establish strategic partnerships with Syrian counterparts to contribute to the reconstruction of infrastructure and development projects. He stressed the extensive expertise and competence of Jordan's engineering and contracting sectors, calling for the utilisation of these capabilities in upcoming Syrian reconstruction initiatives. For his part, Haj Ali expressed appreciation for Jordan's continued support, noting the severe damage inflicted on both public and private infrastructure in Syria. He also highlighted Syria's interest in drawing on Jordanian experience during the reconstruction phase. Also on Wednesday, the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Syrian counterpart, aimed at enhancing cooperation in engineering, vocational and scientific fields. The MoU was signed by JEA President Abdullah Ghusheh and his Syrian counterpart in the presence of representatives from both associations. As part of the partnership, JEA is preparing a comprehensive study to identify potential opportunities for engagement in Syria. The study covers areas such as urban planning, sustainable urban development and housing strategies, with a focus on meeting the needs of returning residents and ensuring efficient use of resources and space. It also addresses the rehabilitation of key infrastructure sectors, including energy, water and sanitation, electricity, transportation and roads, all considered essential for economic recovery and the restoration of daily life in affected areas, according to the statement. The study also includes the rehabilitation of historic and heritage buildings to preserve the architectural and cultural identity of Syrian communities, while ensuring their structural safety and integration into modern urban planning frameworks. Another key focus of the roadmap is enhancing governance and risk management by strengthening engineering institutions and community-based organisations, thereby enabling more flexible and effective oversight of reconstruction projects and improving preparedness for future crises and emergencies. To oversee the implementation of the memorandum and ensure coordinated efforts, a joint committee will be established, according to the statement. © Copyright The Jordan Times. All rights reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Jordan Times
18-05-2025
- Jordan Times
Repeated vandalism of road infrastructure costs Kingdom over JD4.5m annually
By JT - May 11,2025 - Last updated at May 11,2025 AMMAN — Minister of Public Works and Housing Maher Abul Samen on Sunday warned that repeated acts of vandalism on Jordan's road infrastructure cost the state over JD3 million annually, with an additional JD1.5 million spent on preventative measures. Abu Samen described the increasing incidents of theft and vandalism targeting road lighting systems, metal safety barriers, and traffic signs as a growing threat that requires urgent legal reforms and strict enforcement, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. He noted that more than 300 such incidents are recorded each year, with stolen materials often repurposed for scrap or used in illegal electricity generation. 'These attacks not only damage vital infrastructure, but also endanger public safety,' Abu Samen said, noting that the absence of lighting increases the risk of nighttime accidents. "The removal of traffic signs, particularly in construction or hazardous zones, can lead to driver confusion, while the theft of safety barriers significantly raises the risk of severe accidents." The minister also said that the ministry is currently undertaking a comprehensive technical and legal review aimed at proposing legislative amendments and introducing stricter penalties. Preventive measures already in place include the construction of protective enclosures for electrical transformers, the installation of surveillance cameras in high-risk areas, and the deployment of enhanced field patrols, he added. Abul Samen also urged citizens to actively participate in protecting public assets by reporting suspicious activities, stressing that safeguarding national infrastructure is a shared responsibility. The Cabinet recently adopted a series of recommendations to counter such violations, including stricter enforcement of Roads Law No. 24 of 1986 and strengthening monitoring efforts by administrative governors and relevant authorities.
