Engineer Walid Al-Masri, Minister of Local Administration: Contractors’ dues owed by municipalities, totaling 50 million Jordanian dinars, will be paid through a government loan by the end of May.
Contractors Syndicate President: Launch of an awareness campaign in cooperation with the Ministry of Local Administration for mayors in Jordan.
Al-Taj News – Jordanian Contractors Syndicate President Fouad Al-Duwairi received Engineer Walid Al-Masri, Minister of Local Administration, at the Syndicate headquarters, accompanied by the Director of the Cities and Villages Development Bank and several senior ministry officials. The meeting aimed to discuss the challenges and obstacles facing the sector and to extend congratulations on the election of the new Contractors Syndicate Council and its confidence from the General Assembly.
Minister Al-Masri congratulated Syndicate President Fouad Al-Duwairi and the Council members on their election, affirming that the Contractors Syndicate is a strategic partner for the ministry and municipalities across the Kingdom, and noting that the contracting sector forms a fundamental pillar of the national economy.
He emphasized the importance of the contracting sector and Jordanian contractors as a core part of the nation’s growth, development, and achievements, and as strategic partners of the government in all sectors, including construction, energy, and water. He highlighted the long-standing partnership between the government and the contracting sector, which has produced tangible achievements on the ground.
The minister announced that the government will release contractors’ overdue payments from municipalities by the end of May of this year, through a government loan totaling 50 million dinars. He stressed continuous coordination with Prime Minister Dr. Jafar Hassan and the Minister of Finance to settle dues and ensure fairness for contractors, noting that approximately 10 million dinars were paid during 2024.
Al-Masri underlined the crucial role of Jordanian contractors in boosting the Kingdom’s economic activity, explaining that any disruption to the contracting sector directly affects more than 40 related professions. He confirmed the ministry’s full support for the Syndicate and contractors in all ways that serve the public interest.
For his part, Syndicate President Fouad Al-Duwairi emphasized at the start of the meeting the necessity of paying contractors’ financial dues, noting that delays negatively affect the contracting sector and project execution. He highlighted the importance of coordination between the government and relevant authorities in this regard.
Al-Duwairi appreciated the minister’s continuous support and commitment to the sector, praising the importance of joint work and ongoing coordination to overcome challenges facing the sector in general and contractors in particular.
He reviewed the main challenges contractors face in municipalities and confirmed the Syndicate’s openness to cooperate with municipalities in various areas.
He stressed the importance of implementing Article 8 of the Contractors Syndicate Law in municipal projects, as it ensures adherence to approved building codes, contributing to the safety of facilities.
Al-Duwairi called for immediate solutions to the issue of multiple guarantees required from contractors when executing tenders, which impose a financial burden, suggesting the establishment of a specialized infrastructure department responsible for guarantees and tenders, with a unified reference authority.
He also emphasized the importance of launching an awareness campaign under the sponsorship of the Minister of Local Administration for mayors, to explain the significance of Article 8, contracting procedures, and contract certification instructions, highlighting their role in protecting public funds, ensuring the safety of facilities, and safeguarding citizens. The minister welcomed this initiative and confirmed his support, noting that a workshop will be held soon.
The Syndicate President also called for cooperation with municipalities regarding inspections and tighter oversight in coordination with the Syndicate.
Al-Duwairi stressed the importance of electronic integration between the Syndicate and the ministry, as it greatly facilitates contractors’ work and ensures smooth workflow.
Both parties agreed to hold awareness campaigns in the coming period and maintain continuous coordination between the Contractors Syndicate and municipal mayors under the supervision of the Ministry of Local Administration, contributing to effective oversight and citizen protection in various projects.