His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday visited the Governorate of Ajloun where he met with residents discussed their needs in the fields of education, health, water and infrastructure.

Voicing satisfaction with the completion of the Ajloun Mountain master plan and the area's designation as a tourism development zone, King Abdullah said in an address to some 400 community leaders that the delay in attracting investment projects to the area is expected to be resolved soon.

King Abdullah said he has instructed the government to draw up plans to attract tourism investments to the northern governorate in order to strengthen its economy and create jobs for its residents.

“We will do all we can to make Ajloun a model of development and achievement,” the King said, adding that it is “unbelievable” that an area such as Ajloun suffers considering its great potential for economic development.

He said that Ajloun residents will soon benefit from development plans for the governorate.

King Abdullah said he is satisfied with the government's work on several projects in the area, and pledged to follow up on their implementation, especially those in the water sector.

With cooperation and proper planning, he said, Ajloun will become one of the most important tourist areas in the Kingdom.

“You all have a role in making your future,” King Abdullah told community leaders, adding that next month's parliamentary elections are an opportunity to serve the governorate and the Kingdom by electing the best candidates to serve the country.

Prime Minister Samir Rifai said that the government is implementing 12 projects in several vital sectors in Ajloun at a total cost of JD11.5 million.

The projects, Rifai said, are meant to enhance services, boost the middle class and protect the poor.

These plans include the construction of eight new schools, while supplementing several existing ones with new facilities, the premier said. He added that before the end of the year, the government will begin implementing a project to build a teachers club, along with projects in the water sector and others to enhance the area's sewage networks.

The government is also planning to establish a crafts zone, while maintenance work in sports and youth facilities in the governorate will start this year, Rifai said. Rifai noted that the Ajloun Mountain area and the development zone mater plans, drawn up to attract investments in the tourism sector, have been completed.

Also among the main projects slated for the coming few years are the construction of the Kufranjeh Dam at a total cost of JD21 million and the expansion of Al Iman Hospital at a total cost of JD28 million, he said.

The premier said studies have been completed on the implementation of these projects and the necessary funds will be allocated in the state budget over the next three years.

Ajloun Governor Faisal Qadi reviewed achievements and projects in the governorate, adding that building the dam, developing Ajloun's city centre, enhancing infrastructure, establishing youth centres and the crafts zone are among Ajloun's main needs, in addition to cancelling the debts of its municipalities.

The King had lunch with the attendees.