His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday called for drawing up a strategy to realise comprehensive development in Wadi Araba and upgrade the services offered to residents of the area.

Chairing a meeting to follow up on his visit to the area last month, King Abdullah stressed the need to develop the economy of Wadi Araba and create job opportunities for its residents and those of neighboring areas to enhance their living standards.

Home to some 10,000 citizens, Wadi Araba includes nine residential areas that are classified as poverty pockets.

During the meeting attended by senior officials, the King issued directives to the government to draw up a plan during the next two weeks that consists of a long-term and a short-term strategy to pave the way for implementing industrial and economic projects to help alleviate poverty and unemployment in the area.

The strategy, King Abdullah said, should include a plan on how to use land in the area for investment purposes, calling for long-term solutions to upgrade the living standards of the citizens.

The meeting is part of the King's efforts to follow up on his visit to Wadi Araba in March, where His Majesty called for creating several development projects to enhance living conditions of residents.

The Jordan Times