Abu Dhabi Fund for Development finances 31 projects in Jordan worth AED5.7 billion

Abu Dhabi– Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) and the Government of Jordan have enjoyed close ties dating back to 1974. Their constructive cooperation aims to achieve sustainable development goals in vital economic sectors that benefit the Jordanian population.

In a report issued by ADFD to mark Jordan’s 71st Independence Day, the Fund announced that by end-2016, it provided financing for 31 development projects with a cumulative value of AED5.7 billion through government grants and concessionary loans. The projects covered several sectors, namely mining, water and irrigation, transport, housing, agriculture, energy, education and healthcare.

ADFD manages the US$1.25 billion (AED4.6 billion) UAE government contribution to the Gulf Development Fund, a five-year grant programme of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to finance development projects in line with the Jordanian government’s strategic objectives. The end of 2016 marked the successful distribution of AED4.459 billion.

Congratulating Jordan’s people on the Independence Day, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, wished the country’s government progress and success in achieving its sustainable development goals.

He said that under the directives of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the UAE and Jordan have enjoyed a strong fraternal bond. He added that the UAE is keen to support friendly countries in achieving their sustainability and socio-economic agendas.

For his part, His Excellency Imad Fakhoury, Jordanian Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, said: “Under the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has played an instrumental role in sustainable development endeavours in Jordan. Through ADFD, the UAE government has provided funding for projects advancing Jordan’s development priorities and socio-economic well-being since 1974.”

He added: “The Jordanian government sees ADFD as an essential partner of its long-term growth efforts. The Fund has successfully managed, allocated and distributed concessionary loans and grants to key sectors in Jordan, most notably infrastructure, healthcare, industry and mining, and water and irrigation.”

The following is a summary of the most prominent projects administered by ADFD as part of the US$1.25 billion (AED4.6 billion) UAE grant to the Gulf Development Fund programme for Jordan (2012-2017):

Tumour Treatment Centre

Aiming to boost medical tourism in Jordan, the US$16.3 million centre will provide specialised medical services and tumour treatment. ADFD is financing the construction of the four-storey building with a 150-bed ward and support facilities as well as medical equipment. The centre is 60 per cent complete and is set to open doors by 2018.

King Hussein Cancer Centre

ADFD is funding the US$25 million expansion works that will increase the receiving capacity centre. One of the most advanced and specialised facilities in the region, the King Hussein Cancer Centre boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, employs 200 oncologists and consultants, and treats about 3,500 patients annually. The project is scheduled for completion by end-2017.

King Hussein Medical City

ADFD has contributed about US$200 million to fund the first phase of the expansion works of King Hussein Medical City – the construction of a state-of-the-art 940-bed hospital with a capacity of 1,200 patients a day. The Fund has recently signed on a contractor and developer for the project.

Building New Schools

The US$34 million project aims to build 85 new schools featuring modern science laboratories and advanced educational equipment to cater to the growing number of students and enhance the education sector in Jordan. The schools aim to foster an engaged learning environment in line with international best practices. With many of the schools already constructed, the project is slated for completion by end-2017.

Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems 

The US$17 million project to increase the efficiency of irrigation systems and water conservation has now been completed. The works included the replacement of calcified pipes as well as the construction of walls and an underground drainage system for protection from floods.

Dams

The US$49 million project comprises the construction of two concrete dams – Zarqa-Ma’een and Kufranjah. Its main goal is to optimise the use of rainwater, meet the growing demand for drinking and irrigation water, and improve water output and transfer in line with industry standards. Works on Zarqa-Ma’een Dam are 76 per cent complete, whereas Kufranjah Dam has been operational since January 2017.

Advancing Technical Education in Community Colleges

Now successfully wrapped up, the US$9 million initiative has enhanced the receiving capacity of community colleges, expanded their technical and applied science education programmes, and equipped laboratories and workshops with the latest technologies.

Renewable Energy Project

The four-phase project valued at US$150 million comprises the construction of an environment-friendly solar photovoltaic power plant in Al Quweira region that will take place from September to December 2017. Once connected to the national grid, the plant will generate 100 megawatts of energy.

Petroleum Storage Facilities

The US$210 million project will provide storage units to maintain a reserve of petroleum products sufficient for 60 days of domestic consumption across Jordan, enhancing oil security and infrastructure in the country. The facilities will comprise floating-roof reservoirs with the capacity to store 8,000 tonnes of liquefied petroleum gas as well as 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of petroleum derivatives – diesel, gasoline and jet fuel. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2017.

LPG Terminal

The US$33 million project that aims to meet Jordan’s liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) needs has now been completed. Ensuring the continuity of gas and electricity supply in the country, the terminal enables the port to receive large oil tankers with a capacity of 25,000 tonnes and discharging 300m3of LPG per hour.

Road Expansion and Improvement Works

The US$186 million project comprises the development of 15 roads, of which 12 have been completed and the remaining three are near completion, improving the ease of movement of people and goods between cities, villages and regions across Jordan. Apart from the construction of new roads, the works include the expansion and repair of existing secondary, rural and agricultural roads.

Amman Road Development

Inaugurated in January 2017, the US$87 million project comprised the construction of an 18.5km two-way road from Queen Alia International Airport to Madona Road in Amman, including service roads and seven intersections with flyovers. The project has enhanced the infrastructure around the capital and improved connectivity through linking local road networks with international highways.

Development Programme for Public Universities

Aiming to modernise public universities, this US$126.9 million programme will equip nine official universities with better infrastructure, newer technical apparatus and will foster a healthier academic and social environment. It will also include the construction of buildings, complexes, plants for electric and solar power generation and plants to desalinate drinking water.

Works on the Faculty of Science at the Al-Hussein University are 35.5 per cent complete. The project is scheduled operational by Q1 2018. As for the Faculty of Education 90 percent of works have been complete. the full works on this faculty is expected to be wrapped-up by end-2017.

On the other hand, two initiatives, the five-megawatt solar energy project and the medical waste incinerator project at the Science and Technology university, are now operational. As for the third initiative, at the same university – the veterinary hospital – works are nearly done and the hospital is estimated to open its doors in the next two months.

Moreover, 45 per cent of works at the Faculty of Medicine at Yarmouk University, have been completed. As for the Faculty of Law, the development project was successfully wrapped-up in April 2017. On the other hand, the solar energy project, at the same university, is scheduled for completion in September 2017.

Construction works for the Faculty of Business at Al Balqa’ Applied University are now 50 per cent complete. As for building the Faculty of Medicine structure, works are scheduled for completion by end-2017. As it stands today, 53 percent of works have been accomplished.

As for the Faculty of Dentistry at the University of Jordan, works have already begun. This project is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2019. On the other hand, 36 per cent of constructions works have been completed for the Chemistry Department building, and is expected fully operational in February 2018.

Grain Silos

The US$70.5 million project aims to expand the Juwaideh and Aqaba silos to increase the holding capacity of essential food grains, particularly wheat and barley. With 75 per cent of the works completed, the Juwaideh silo is slated for handover in Q1 2018. As for the Aqaba silo, a tender for construction works has been released.