Jordan Times
Sunday, December 5, 1999
Government to stem illegal exploitation of state land in Jordan Valley
JORDAN VALLEY (Petra) — Minister of Water and Irrigation Kamel Mahadin said on Saturday that the government will “put an end” to illegal transactions involving state land in the Jordan Valley. Mahadin's statement came during a visit to the Southern Ghor, where he told residents that agricultural units will be distributed to citizens in line with new standards, under which priority will go to residents as of next year. Meanwhile, the Cabinet on Saturday agreed to lease land in Wadi Araba for companies and citizens in order to establish agricultural projects there. During a regular session, the Cabinet also agreed to lease land in the Dead Sea area for investors to set up tourist projects such as hotels, resorts, parks and market centres.