His Majesty King Abdullah called on Jerash residents Monday to form a committee to prioritize the area's development needs and suggest plans to tap its tourism, agricultural and economic potential.

During a meeting with Jerash community leaders and officials, King Abdullah said the panel is expected to draw up a comprehensive strategy to improve the situation and the living conditions of the district's residents.

"I am aware of the several challenges facing the development process in Jerash. I want to listen to your reflections on issues of concern to the governorate," the King told the gathering.

Jerash representatives called for supporting the debt-ridden Jerash Municipality. They also called for creating a community college, implementing several investment projects in the field of tourism and promoting the governorate's production of dairy products, fruit and olive oil.

Furthermore, they called for establishing an industrial estate, with private sector representatives telling the King they were ready to invest in such a zone.

King Abdullah said what is needed is to set a priority scale, saying the government would do its best to implement the projects within its capabilities.

The meeting with the representatives took place after His Majesty inaugurated several development projects in the district designed to improve the living conditions of its citizens. These projects included the Bab Amman Basic School, which was built upon directives by the King to replace the nearby old building which His Majesty visited in January.

Teachers said the new school so far has had a very positive impact, not only on the students' performance but also on the teaching staff.

Also, the King opened the Jerash Comprehensive Healthcare Centre, which replaced the old Jerash Primary Healthcare Centre located in the town's commercial area.