His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday issued directives to concerned authorities to carry out health, educational and development projects in Al Talbieh refugee camp.

During a visit to the camp, King Abdullah met with community leaders and listened to their remarks on the services offered to residents.

His Majesty said it was important to address the challenges and obstacles facing the camp community and instructed the government to take the necessary measures to solve the problems residents face, especially in the fields of health, education and youth care.

Located 35 kilometres south of Amman and home to approximately 7,000 refugees, Talbieh is one of 13 refugee camps in Jordan.

There are some 800 housing units in the camp, which was established in 1967 over 136 dunums.

The King noted the Royal Court would work in cooperation with the government to tackle the inherent problems in the area.

Following a visit to Al Talbieh Secondary School, which suffers from overcrowding, King Abdullah gave orders to expand the eight-classroom school by building six additional classrooms and carry out the necessary maintenance work for the facility, setting February next year as a deadline.

King Abdullah also visited the Community Centre for the Rehabilitation of People with Disabilities in the camp and received a firsthand idea about the services it offers. His Majesty instructed the government to build a second storey for the centre and supply it with necessary equipment, all to be completed in 45 days.

His Majesty said he would visit the camp again by the end of the year to check on progress in the implementation of the plans set for the underprivileged area.

Prime Minister Nader Dahabi said the government would immediately work on implementing the King's directives.

The government will develop the camp's healthcare centre and furnish it with up-to-date medical equipment to enhance its services and will establish a branch for the Civil Service Consumer Corporation, said Dahabi.

The premier added that implementation of the Jizah Water Treatment Plant in the area will be completed by the end of next month, noting that the delay was due to problems with contractors, which have all been settled.

In their remarks, residents said they highly valued the King's stands on the Palestinian issue and his unwavering support for the rights of the Palestinians, citing his endeavours with the international community to find a just and comprehensive solution to the Middle East conflict that ensures the emergence of an independent Palestinian state and the right of refugees for return and compensation.

Director of Department of Palestinian Affairs General Wajih Azaizeh noted residents of refugee camps were covered by the King's makrumas, including an initiative to build houses for the poor and another to distribute food parcels under the Hashemite Charity Caravans project.

In addition, he said the number of residents' children benefiting from the Royal makruma to study at universities increased to 350, adding that sport clubs and women's and youth centres also received support from the King.