First: Decisions Related to the Energy Sector
Approval for the National Electric Power Company to proceed with the procedures to lease a new floating gas vessel to replace the current gas ship, which will leave the Port of Aqaba on April 30 of this year.
اضافة اعلان
Second: Decisions Related to the Tourism and Environment Sectors
Completion of the necessary procedures to implement the eco-lodge project in the Yarmouk Nature Reserve in Bani Kinana District.
Completion of the procedures to classify the archaeological site of Qatraneh Castle as a tourist site.
Approval of the agreement for the project to enhance the ecosystem through sustainable water harvesting in Al-Husseiniya – Ma'an Governorate.
Approval of the "Kigali Project" agreement related to the gradual reduction of environmentally harmful substances and gases.
In its session held today, Wednesday, chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan, the Cabinet approved the National Electric Power Company’s move to lease a new floating gas vessel to replace the existing one, which is set to leave the Port of Aqaba on April 30, 2025.
This step is considered strategic to ensure alternative options for supplying natural gas to electricity generation stations amid accelerating global energy market challenges.
The decision aims to enhance the Kingdom’s energy security efforts and support the continued supply of natural gas to Syria through Jordan, with backing from the Qatar Fund for Development. Previously, the Cabinet assigned the National Electric Power Company to communicate with global owners of floating liquefied natural gas vessels in preparation for leasing a new ship.
The decision also maintains the option of importing liquefied gas to bridge the gap between the expiration of the current ship’s lease and the completion of the new liquefied gas project, expected to be finalized by the end of 2026.
Regarding the tourism and environment sectors, the Cabinet decided to complete the necessary procedures to implement the eco-lodge project in the Yarmouk Nature Reserve, allocating 350,000 Jordanian dinars to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for this purpose.
The decision aims to complete the eco-lodge project as an eco-tourism destination and a support point for tourism and environmental landmarks in northern Jordan, as well as to attract tourism investments that benefit local communities by providing job opportunities.
The Cabinet also decided to complete the procedures to classify the Qatraneh Castle archaeological site as a tourist site, based on Article 2 of the Tourist Site Management Regulation No. 23 of 2014.
This decision follows Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan’s visit to the Qatraneh District in mid-February, during which he directed the development of the castle site, the establishment of a visitor center and rest area, and the enhancement of the site's historical significance, along with the provision of services for visitors and tourists.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has already taken steps to develop the tourism product at the site, highlighting its historical and tourism appeal and preparing it to serve visitors and tourists. The ministry is also working to spotlight tourism investment opportunities at the site, aiming to create job opportunities for the local community.
The Qatraneh Castle Visitor Center is considered an important stop for tourists and enhances their overall experience, given the strategic and historical importance of the site. The center provides services and information to tourists, along with entertainment and educational facilities.
The Cabinet also approved the agreement for the "Enhancing the Ecosystem through Sustainable Water Harvesting in Al-Husseiniya" project, between the Ministry of Agriculture and a UN program addressing water challenges and climate change resilience in the Al-Husseiniya area of Ma’an Governorate.
The program will involve installing rainwater collection systems such as earthen reservoirs, enhancing sustainable water management practices, strengthening climate change resilience, protecting and preserving local water resources, and increasing the availability of water from unconventional and sustainable sources within the Jafr Basin in Al-Husseiniya.
Additionally, the Cabinet approved the "Kigali Project" agreement, which concerns the gradual reduction of environmentally harmful substances and gases, involving the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation, the Ministry of Environment, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The project aims to reduce the use of environmentally harmful materials and gases by supporting companies in the refrigerator and air-conditioning industries. It also includes training for maintenance technicians in institutions such as the Vocational Training Corporation, the Customs Department, the Standards and Metrology Organization, industrial schools, relevant university programs, and automotive maintenance workshops.
It is noteworthy that Jordan has adopted a comprehensive strategy to gradually reduce the consumption of harmful substances and gases by up to 50% by the year 2030.
In other matters:
The Cabinet decided to appoint Engineer Sufian Tayseer Al-Batainah as Secretary General of the Water Authority and Dr. Tareq Maqattash as Secretary General of the National Center for Epidemic and Communicable Disease Control, after both received the highest scores in the competition conducted according to the Government Leadership System.
The Cabinet also decided to refer Dr. Mohammad Al-Abdallat, Secretary General of the Medical Council, for retirement.
— (Petra)
