Khaberni - Jamal Abu Obaid, head of the Al Ramtha Municipal Committee, stated that the municipality has begun implementing a series of service projects, which included the referral of road tenders worth more than 400,000 dinars, and the completion of work in the government complex worth 780,000 dinars, alongside launching a waste sorting station project in partnership with the private sector.
During a press meeting held in the Queen Rania Hall in Al Ramtha, Abu Obaid mentioned that the municipal slaughterhouse was rehabilitated at a cost of 30,000 dinars, and the municipality has started equipping 445 new containers as part of the cleanliness plan that adopts morning and evening shifts, as well as sterilization campaigns and spraying in various areas.
Abu Obaid confirmed that the cleanliness rate has risen to more than 70%, indicating that the amount of waste collected daily has increased from 115 tons to approximately 150 tons, reflecting a tangible improvement in field performance. The achievements included the construction of two decorative fountains and the purchase of 400 lighting units to serve the neighborhoods.
Abu Obaid explained that the municipality's budget amounts to 9 million dinars, confirming the existence of a deficit reaching 4 million dinars, while the collected revenues do not exceed 6 million. He pointed out that the salary item consumes 3.369 million dinars, accounting for 42% of the total budget, which represents a challenge that calls for reform measures.
Abu Obaid announced the cancellation of the infection allowance that was paid to 150 sanitation workers, despite them not working in jobs that necessitate such allowance, along with the reinstatement of 25 workers to fieldwork and the contracting of a company to bring in 20 additional workers to enhance the cleaning staff.
He pointed out that the municipality has worked on preparing a new organizational structure and accommodating employees according to their qualifications, in addition to tightening the supervision on compliance with work hours using fingerprint devices, and forming committees to improve collections and follow up on unlicensed commercial activities, as well as controlling fuel expenses and activating the electronic payment system and maintaining broken machinery.
In regards to the main roads, Abu Obaid confirmed that Al-Arbaeen road, extending 15 kilometers, is under intense scrutiny for the completion of paving works due to its importance in connecting Tarah, Shajarah, Bushra, Waseyah, and Hawarah, and relieving pressure on the city center. He clarified that part of the road had been paved previously and that a meeting was held with the area's deputies and a visit was organized for the Minister of Public Works, who recommended completing the procedures, while the deputies took on following up on the allocation of one and a half million dinars for the project.
Regarding the travel complex, the municipality has officially retracted the decision to relocate the complex from the city center, noting that keeping it in its current location serves the commercial activity in the area and spares citizens the hardship of reaching the new site. Abu Obaid confirmed that the financial allocations that had been designated for the new complex would be redirected to developing the existing complex and improving its services.
Meanwhile, the municipality is currently conducting a comprehensive traffic study to address congestion at the market entrance and the main entrance to the city, with practical steps to be taken upon the completion of the study results.
Abu Obaid concluded by pointing out the municipality's partnerships with international entities such as GIZ and Augsburg, confirming the direction toward implementing a GIS system, a solar energy project, the establishment of a tailoring workshop to economically empower women, as well as a plan to rehabilitate the industrial city.
