A recent briefing presided over by Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, gave an exciting update surrounding a proposed new city development for Jordan.
The project intends to provide housing for Jordan’s growing population, particularly in Zarqa and Amman.
Establishing a contemporary transportation network between the proposed city and Amman, Queen Alia International Airport, the land port in Madouna, and Zarqa is another core goal of the proposal.
STRATEGIC LOCATION OF THE PROPOSED CITY
If the new city project in Amman is approved, it will be constructed on 277,000 acres of state-owned land. This new city will be located 40 kilometers from the capital's core. But it will also be located 33 kilometers from Queen Alia International Airport, and 26 kilometers from Zarqa.
In the heart of Jordan's Badia region, the new city will be situated between two international roads. These roads will provide a strong base for the city's infrastructure given that they connect Jordan with both Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
PROJECTIONS FOR THE SMART CITY PROJECT
The concept was initially put forward in 2017. However, it was delayed because of the coronavirus pandemic.
The new city project will be created in many phases, the first of which is expected to start in 2025 and end in 2033. The last phase is then expected to be completed in 2050, according to the report that was delivered.
The first phase is intended to construct a contemporary smart city. This is planned to be sustainably driven via the thorough implementation of clean energy to power the city. Equally, this initial phase is expected to house approximately 157,000 people. Yet, once fully completed the city is anticipated to house over one million residences.
Within this first phase of development, ministries and public institutions will be moved to the area. But this will exclude the Judicial Council, Parliament, and the Prime Ministry. The construction of public facilities and residential buildings will also be implemented within this initial phase.
OVERVIEW OF THE SMART CITY
Jordan’s government will help to establish the city’s infrastructure and core services at a projected cost of JD8 billion. So, with proposed government backing, the smart city project will be well supported.
Overall, the Economic Development Committee was given the research on the new project by the Cabinet to prompt additional discussions and consultations with relevant parties and experts. This is ultimately under the condition that the committee submits a thorough report to the Cabinet within a month.
