Abu Dhabi Fund for Development finances 31 projects worth $1.55billion in Jordan

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ABU DHABI, 27th May, 2017 (WAM) -- The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, ADFD, has financed 31 projects worth AED5.7 billion in Jordan.

In its report which was released today to mark Jordans 71st Independence Day, it stated that ADFD and the Government of Jordan have enjoyed close ties dating back to 1974. Their constructive co-operation aims to achieve their sustainable development goals in vital economic sectors that benefit the Jordanian population.

The fund announced that by the end of 2016, it had 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 governments strategic objectives. The end of 2016 marked the successful distribution of AED4.459 billion.

Congratulating Jordans people on its Independence Day, Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of ADFD, wished the countrys government progress and success in achieving its sustainable development goals.

He said that under the directives of the President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed 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.

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 its sustainable development endeavours in Jordan. Through ADFD, the UAE government has provided funding for projects that advance Jordans development priorities and socio-economic well-being, since 1974." "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," he added.

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

ADFD is funding the $25 million expansion works that will increase the receiving capacity of the King Hussein Cancer Centre. The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2017.

ADFD has also contributed about $200 million to fund the first phase of the expansion works of the King Hussein Medical City, including the construction of a state-of-the-art 940-bed hospital with a capacity of 1,200 patients per day.

A $34 million project aims to build 85 new schools featuring modern science laboratories and advanced educational equipment, to cater for the growing number of students and enhance the education sector in Jordan. The project is slated for completion by the end of 2017.

A $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.

A $49 million project included the construction of two concrete dams, the Zarqa-Maeen and Kufranjah dams. 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.

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

A $210 million project will provide storage units to maintain a reserve of petroleum products sufficient for 60 days of domestic consumption across Jordan, enhancing the countrys oil security and infrastructure. The project is scheduled for completion in September 2017.

A $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.

A $186 million project includes the development of 15 roads, of which 12 have been completed and the remaining three are near completion, improving the ease of the movement of people and goods between cities, villages and regions across Jordan.

With the aim of modernising public universities, a $126.9 million programme will equip nine official universities with better infrastructure, newer technical apparatus and will foster a healthier academic and social environment.

Grain Silos, a $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 percent of the works completed, the Juwaideh silo is slated for handover in Q1, 2018.