Ministers Assess Jaber Border Needs Amid Rising Traffic With Syria

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN - Minister of Public Works and housing Maher Abul Samen and Minister of Interior Mazen Farayah on Monday visited the Jaber Border Crossing with Syria to assess its operational needs amid a surge in cargo and passenger traffic following recent Political developments in Syria.

Accompanied by Chairman of the energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission Ziad Saaydeh and General Manager of Irbid Electricity Company Bashar Tamimi, the ministers toured the border facility.

During the visit, officials from various ministries and security apparatuses outlined the challenges they face and the resources needed to improve efficiency.

The ministers also reviewed progress on a project to develop comprehensive master plans for the Jaber and Karameh border crossings, including feasibility studies, designs, and implementation strategies, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Abul Samen and Farayah also stressed the government's commitment to modernising border crossings to reflect Jordan's position and reputation while improving services for travellers.

Saaydeh stressed the importance of measures taken in cooperation with the Irbid Electricity Company to ensure uninterrupted power supply, carry out necessary maintenance, and upgrade all lighting systems in the outdoor areas of the Jaber Border region.

He also highlighted efforts to streamline the movement of cargo and passengers, including the implementation of an automated vehicle registration and departure system. Under this system, vehicles will receive QR codes to expedite processing, improve service efficiency, and track processing times for necessary adjustments.

Both ministries aim to upgrade border facilities in line with global standards for land crossings, balancing security and customs requirements with smoother movement of goods and people.

The long-term vision, spanning the next 50 years, includes the expansion and modernisation of infrastructure, with the Karameh Border Crossing covering 1,800 dunams and the Jaber Border Crossing over 2,000 dunams.

As part of the redevelopment efforts, the Ministry of Public Works conducted a comprehensive survey of the infrastructure at both locations to assess structural conditions. The results will be used to determine which facilities will be retained and which will be removed as part of the modernisation plans.

Also on Monday, the Ministry of Interior, in coordination with the relevant authorities, announced that the Jaber border crossing with Syria will operate 24 hours a day, starting Sunday, March 23.

The decision, which was taken in consultation with Syrian officials, ensures that all logistical and security measures are in place to ensure uninterrupted operations. The change brings the Jaber crossing schedule in line with that of the Omari crossing with Saudi Arabia.

The move, which comes ahead of the Eid Al Fitr holiday, a period that typically sees a surge in travellers, aims to expedite passenger departures, facilitate the movement of cargo, and minimise waiting times.

By extending operating hours, Jordan aims to increase trade and economic activity with Syria as the crossing continues to experience high cargo traffic and increased passenger flows.

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