His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday visited Balqa governorate to meet residents and hear their concerns about education, health, water, and service projects in the area.

Addressing over 600 community leaders, King Abdullah said the aspirations of the governorates residents would be met through teamwork and programmes to develop the governorate and ensure a decent living for citizens.

The King added that in spite of the economic difficulties posed by the global financial crisis, the government is working on several programmes to improve the governorate's economy and improve its infrastructure. He said residents will see the results of these projects soon and urged all citizens to participate in building their community.

He also encouraged citizens to exercise their “right and duty” to vote in the upcoming parliamentary elections and to choose candidates able to serve the Kingdom.

At the meeting, Prime Minister Samir Rifai said the government is implementing 28 projects in the governorate at a total cost of JD38 million, adding that these projects are 71 per cent complete.

Noting that funds have been cut for projects currently deemed unnecessary as part of government austerity measures, the premier stressed that the government will work to secure financing to complete vital projects in the governorate.

Rifai said construction on the new JD45 million Salt Public Hospital will start next month and is expected to finish in December 2013.

Balqa Governor Fawwaz Ersheidat reviewed the projects implemented in the governorate over the past few years, saying Balqa residents need improved water access and water networks. He listed among the governorate's other needs infrastructure projects, a faculty of medicine at the Balqa Applied University and the expansion of the South Shouneh Hospital.