Jordan Times
Wednesday, September 8, 2004
Prime minister calls for upgrading Aqaba Port performance
AMMAN (Petra) — Prime Minister Faisal Fayez on
Tuesday said economic growth necessitates upgrading the performance of Aqaba
Port with regard to operations, equipment and infrastructure.
The premier made the remarks during a visit to the container terminal in Aqaba
with a ministerial team. The visit was made to follow up on procedures taken by
the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) and the Danish APM Terminals
Company entrusted with operating and developing the terminal to find a solution
for the two-year-old problem of slow loading and unloading processes.
Fayez pointed to His Majesty King Abdullah's directives during his recent visit
to the port that urged concerned authorities to accelerate the restructuring and
rehabilitation of the Jordan Ports Corporation in general and the container
terminal in particular.
During his meetings with port officials, the premier highlighted the shortage of
machinery and equipment, the sluggish movement of containers and the fact that
the port does not operate round-the-clock, as factors causing a delay in the
port's operations.
The premier said the government was watching the operator's performance closely
and it was important to give the company sufficient time to restructure the
container terminal.
ASEZA Chief Commissioner Nader Dahabi pledged to find a final solution by the
end of this year.
He explained that three pieces of equipment would arrive this Thursday and
another five at the end of the month, which would speed up handling, loading and
unloading periods.
ASEZA Deputy Chief Commissioner Imad Fakhouri said the terminal had witnessed a
40 per cent increase of shipments during the first seven months of this year
compared to the same period last year.
According to the Danish company, there had been an improved level of performance
in handling containers. The time needed to load and unload ships was reduced
from 129 hours in January to 42 in July. The company expects to arrive at
six-hour waiting period after six months or a year.
The company said future plans include the implementation of the e-port in six
months. The plan would enable ships to dock at the port at an appropriate time
when the terminal was ready for unloading.
The premier also paid a visit to Mazfar village, 20km to the north of Aqaba
city. He checked on the housing units project that His Majesty King Abdullah
initiated during his visit to the village in August last year.
The first phase of the project — the construction of 30 units — is due to be
completed this year.
Fayez also met separately with notables from Qwaireh and Petra districts during
his tour, highlighting the importance of field trips as the easiest way to
become acquainted with citizens' needs. He expressed disappointment that some
officials neglect such direct communication with citizens, which is part of
their duty, saying the government would take strict measures against them.
The premier was briefed on the residents' demands, which were mainly focused on
education, health and agriculture.
The premier was accompanied by Minister of Planning and International
Cooperation Bassem Awadallah, Minister of Interior Samir Habashneh, Minister of
Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Salah Bashir, Minister of
Finance Mohammad Abu Hammour and Minister of Public Works and Housing and
Minister of Transport Raed Abu Saud.