Jordan Times
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
JD70 million development plan
targets poorest areas
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN — A government-commission task force has proposed a two-year development
plan designed to channel resources for infrastructure and productivity
enhancement initiatives in 10 of the country's poorest communities.
The plan, estimated to cost around JD70 million, was recommended following a
comprehensive profile of 20 districts identified as the main poverty pockets in
the country.
Official poverty levels in areas such as Wadi Araba, Deir Al Kahf and Dulayl
stood at nearly 26 per cent and reached 73 per cent in more remote districts.
Omar Rafie, head of the task force and director of the Planning Ministry's
Social Productivity Programme, said the profile report highlighted the need for
an integrated approach to development that focuses on income-generating schemes.
“In part, we found the nature of poverty in many of these areas is actually one
of income poverty rather than a lack of basic infrastructure or social
services,” Rafie said.
“However, in some areas, gaps in basic infrastructure continue to be a problem
and compound the potential for establishing a base for economic development,” he
added.
According to the World Bank-funded poverty survey, areas such as Ruweished,
Duleil, Slehiyya, Deir Al Kahf, Al Jafr, Mreigha, Azraq and Ghweira are
characterised by acute poverty.
The survey showed that 70 per cent of residents in these communities earned less
than JD150 each month, while 25 per cent earned between JD150 and JD250.
During the field survey, the task force met with municipal and government
officials, local communities and members of associations and women's
organisations to assess the challenges.
The survey revealed several factors hampering economic development, many of
which stem from the largely scattered nature of residents in some of these
communities.
Without the relevant infrastructure, the potential for economic activity remains
limited, said Rafie. It is a challenge that has yet to be examined, he added.
However, the survey showed what appeared to be a case of poor planning in the
provision of basic social services.
For example, the provision of facilities in some areas appeared to be widely
disproportionate to the size of the population. Al Qasimiyeh, despite being a
small community of 350 residents, has three schools. One of the schools has only
12 students.
Observers in the field attribute such mismanagement to “political pressures”
from local community members.
In terms of school infrastructure in these areas, the survey noted that school
buildings rented by the Ministry of Education needed renovation and many of the
sanitation facilities are considered health hazards.
Also, the survey noted that despite the availability of more than one
comprehensive health centre in these areas, a shortage of physicians was a cause
for concern.
A lack of adequate housing and other incentives were cited as the main obstacles
to recruiting staff.
As a result, in some areas opening hours are restricted with doctors making
twice-weekly two-hour visits.
At the same time, the survey showed a need to invest in establishing more
agricultural roads to allow farmers to utilise their land.
Rafie said the proposed JD70 million-development scheme beginning in June would
include a needs-based income-generating project in each of the 10 pilot
communities at a cost of JD10 million over two fiscal years.
Members of local communities will be trained to manage and sustain these
projects.
According to Rafie, infrastructure investments estimated at JD66 million will
enhance the investment climate in these areas.
The survey and following recommendations have been sent to the Prime Ministry's
Development Committee for review.