His Majesty King Abdullah directed the government on Saturday to delay a planned hike in the prices of gas cylinders and fodder.

The decision is meant to ease the financial burden on citizens, the King said during a meeting in this southern town with residents, representatives and officials following the inauguration of several health, educational and development projects in the district inhabited by some 15,000 citizens.

"I am aware of the challenges facing you and we will work together to address them,” His Majesty told the meeting.

“I have issued directives to the government to delay raising the prices of gas cylinders and fodder at this stage," King Abdullah said.

At the meeting with local community leaders, His Majesty added: "I opened several projects today in Shobak, but that is not enough and I have ideas for enhancing the situation here, socially and economically."

King Abdullah laid the foundation stone for a housing project in Shobak that includes the creation of some 328 houses by the end of this year.

The project is part of a mega housing scheme that entails the creation of more than 100,000 housing units over the coming five years, in addition to more than 20,000 units by the end of 2008.

The housing project in Shobak also features public parks, playgrounds, restaurants, a mosque, a vocational training centre, a multipurpose hall and parking lots.

King Abdullah also inaugurated a garment factory, which is fully staffed by women from the district. Official figures show that the unemployment rate among females in the productive age stands at 82 per cent in Shobak.

The factory currently employs a total of 80 young women. The King issued directives on Saturday for expanding the factory to double the number of workers.

At the industrial facility, women receive training on sewing and are paid a monthly salary of JD110 throughout the training period which extends for a year-and-a-half. Workers enjoy basic benefits such as social security and health insurance.

The factory is built on 500 square metres and similar establishments will be built across the country, officials said.

King Abdullah also inaugurated Al Shobak Healthcare Centre, which His Majesty ordered to be built by the army-run Royal Medical Services.

The King ordered adding a delivery ward to the centre, in response to an appeal by Shobak residents.

During the tour, King Abdullah also inaugurated Samih Darwazeh Basic School.

At Shobak's meeting, residents briefed the His Majesty on challenges and problems facing them.

They called for implementing tourism projects, among others, in the area, which, they said, has a great potential, especially that it is located on the road to Petra.