(MENAFN) Prime Minister Jafar Hassan conducted field visits on Monday to key sites across Petra, Shoubak, and Wadi Musa as part of ongoing inspection tours in the southern region, a Prime Ministry statement reported.

Hassan began at the Shoubak Agricultural School, established in 1965 and currently serving around 100 students from grades 10 to 12. During discussions with teachers and students on technical and vocational training needs, the premier directed the construction of a new comprehensive vocational school next to the existing facility. The school will feature a modern agricultural department based on the BTEC system, designed to accommodate more students and provide specialisations aligned with local labour market demands.

At the Al Abdaliyeh Health Centre in Shoubak, Hassan met with patients and staff to evaluate healthcare services. He instructed a complete renovation of the centre, ensuring essential medicines are available and services are enhanced for residents. Serving about 6,000 people across four villages and receiving over 4,000 visitors annually, the centre is located 29 kilometres from the nearest hospital.

Hassan also visited the Petra Comprehensive Day Service Centre for People with Disabilities, reviewing support for individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, and speech difficulties. He ordered immediate maintenance, new equipment, and expanded services to meet growing community needs.

During an inspection of the Crowne Plaza Petra Hotel renovation project, the prime minister stressed the importance of completing the long-delayed project and reopening by early 2026 in time for the tourism season. He was briefed on progress and challenges by the ministers of labour and tourism.

The final stop was the Devon Chocolate Factory in Wadi Musa, recognized as Jordan’s “Best Entrepreneurial Project” in 2024. Founded in 2018 by local entrepreneur Taisir Alaia, the factory employs 40 residents, predominantly women, and exports to the United States. Hassan praised it as a model of successful local investment and reaffirmed government support for similar initiatives.

Throughout the visits, the prime minister was accompanied by the Maan governor and relevant ministers.

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