Khaberni - The Public Safety Committee in Mafraq Governorate decided to demolish nine ancient mosques suffering from structural and technical problems that threaten the safety of worshippers.
Dr. Saud Mashagbeh, the Director of the Mafraq Governorate Awqaf Directorate, stated that the directorate’s staff, in cooperation with the relevant authorities and specialists, began the demolition of these mosques after it became apparent that there were fissures and a risk of collapse in their structures.
Mashagbeh added in a statement to "Al-Rai" that the decision came at the recommendation of the Public Safety Committee in the governorate, after a field review of each mosque and the imam's residence.
He explained that the directorate responded to the latest directive from the Minister of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, concerning the inspection of mosques and imams’ residences, aiming to ensure the safety of worshippers and imams and to prevent any potential incidents – God forbid.
Mashagbeh mentioned that there are 55 mosque care committees in Mafraq Governorate, with each committee serving a term of two years, in addition to 3 reconstruction committees, each serving a six-month term, highlighting the important role these committees play in caring for and maintaining mosques.
He indicated that there are about 100 mosques currently under construction in the governorate, while the total number of mosques – excluding the northeastern desert areas – is about 1403 mosques spread across various regions of the governorate.
He also referred to the existence of 164 residences for imams, including 10 under construction, noting that 91 mosques have been expanded and about 140 mosques have been repaired and rehabilitated in the governorate, with part of these carried out at the expense of the Ministry of Awqaf.
Mashagbeh confirmed that the directorate, in collaboration with the mosque care committees, is working on creating arboreal gardens in 30 mosques, in addition to fencing about 29 other mosques, indicating that the gardens and fencing project aims to improve the environment of the mosques and provide green spaces in line with the national strategy for environmental protection and enhancing public aesthetics.
