Amman Mayor Omar Maani on Tuesday sent a letter to His Majesty King Abdullah outlining the Greater Amman Municipality's (GAM) plans to preserve the cultural heritage of the capital while planning for its future growth.

In a letter on May 3, the King entrusted GAM with forming a taskforce to prepare a plan for the development of the capital that would serve as a template for the country's other cities.

The King said the leading challenge would be to strike a balance that encourages growth, development and modernization, while at the same time ensuring the preservation of the capital's aesthetic qualities and charm.

Maani said a highly qualified team has been set up to translate the King's directives into facts on the ground.

“We shall spare no efforts to realise the revival in terms of growth, development and the modernization of Amman, while preserving its tradition and charm,” said Maani.

He added that GAM has invited international experts to help in the development of the plan, and that the municipality would seek to involve citizens of the city in the process.

The mayor also said the plan would ensure that Amman remains a magnet for foreign investment.

The King's letter to the newly-appointed mayor stressed the importance of ensuring that the capital continues to function as a magnet for “pioneering development projects and fertile ground in which innovative ideas can take root and blossom.”

The Jordan Times