Publish Date : 30-May-2017
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the Government of Jordan have enjoyed close ties dating back to 1974. Their constructive cooperation aims to achieve sustainable development goals in vital economic sectors that benefit the Jordanian population.
In a report issued by ADFD to mark Jordans 71st Independence Day, the Fund announced that by end-2016, it provided financing for 31 development projects with a cumulative value of AED5.7 billion through government grants and concessionary loans. The projects covered several sectors, namely mining, water and irrigation, transport, housing, agriculture, energy, education and healthcare. ADFD manages the US$1.25 billion (AED4.6 billion) UAE government contribution to the Gulf Development Fund, a five-year grant programme of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to finance development projects in line with the Jordanian governments strategic objectives. The end of 2016 marked the successful distribution of AED4.459 billion.
Congratulating Jordans people on the Independence Day, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, wished the countrys government progress and success in achieving its sustainable development goals.
He said that under the directives of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE and Jordan have enjoyed a strong fraternal bond. He added that the UAE is keen to support friendly countries in achieving their sustainability and socio-economic agendas.
For his part, His Excellency Imad Fakhoury, Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, said: Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has played an instrumental role in sustainable development endeavours in Jordan. Through ADFD, the UAE government has provided funding for projects advancing Jordans development priorities and socio-economic well-being since 1974.
He added: The Jordanian government sees ADFD as an essential partner of its long-term growth efforts. The Fund has successfully managed, allocated and distributed concessionary loans and grants to key sectors in Jordan, most notably infrastructure, healthcare, industry and mining, and water and irrigation.
The following is a summary of the most prominent projects administered by ADFD as part of the US$1.25 billion (AED4.6 billion) UAE grant to the Gulf Development Fund programme for Jordan (2012-2017):
Tumour Treatment Centre
Aiming to boost medical tourism in Jordan, the US$16.3 million centre will provide specialised medical services and tumour treatment. ADFD is financing the construction of the four-storey building with a 150-bed ward and support facilities as well as medical equipment. The centre is 60 per cent complete and is set to open doors by 2018.
King Hussein Cancer Centre
ADFD is funding the US$25 million expansion works that will increase the receiving capacity centre. One of the most advanced and specialised facilities in the region, the King Hussein Cancer Centre boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, employs 200 oncologists and consultants, and treats about 3,500 patients annually. The project is scheduled for completion by end-2017. King Hussein Medical City
ADFD has contributed about US$200 million to fund the first phase of the expansion works of King Hussein Medical City the construction of a state-of-the-art 940-bed hospital with a capacity of 1,200 patients a day. The Fund has recently signed on a contractor and developer for the project.
Building New Schools
The US$34 million project aims to build 85 new schools featuring modern science laboratories and advanced educational equipment to cater to the growing number of students and enhance the education sector in Jordan. The schools aim to foster an engaged learning environment in line with international best practices. With many of the schools already constructed, the project is slated for completion by end-2017.
Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems
The US$17 million project to increase the efficiency of irrigation systems and water conservation has now been completed. The works included the replacement of calcified pipes as well as the construction of walls and an underground drainage system for protection from floods.
Dams
The US$49 million project comprises the construction of two concrete dams Zarqa-Maeen and Kufranjah. Its main goal is to optimise the use of rainwater, meet the growing demand for drinking and irrigation water, and improve water output and transfer in line with industry standards. Works on Zarqa-Maeen Dam are 76 per cent complete, whereas Kufranjah Dam has been operational since January 2017.
Advancing Technical Education in Community Colleges
Now successfully wrapped up, the US$9 million initiative has enhanced the receiving capacity of community colleges, expanded their technical and applied science education programmes, and equipped laboratories and workshops with the latest technologies.
Renewable Energy Project
The four-phase project valued at US$150 million comprises the construction of an environment-friendly solar photovoltaic power plant in Al Quweira region that will take place from September to December 2017. Once connected to the national grid, the plant will generate 100 megawatts of energy.
Petroleum Storage Facilities
The US$210 million project will provide storage units to maintain a reserve of petroleum products sufficient for 60 days of domestic consumption across Jordan, enhancing oil security and infrastructure in the country. The facilities will comprise floating-roof reservoirs with the capacity to store 8,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas as well as 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of petroleum derivatives diesel, gasoline and jet fuel. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2017.
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