Thirty underprivileged families in Aqaba’s Wadi Araba on Saturday received housing units as part of the Royal Initiative for Housing, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Covering all the Kingdom’s governorates, the initiative was launched in 2005 in implementation of His Majesty King Abdullah’s directives expressed in his meeting with dignitaries of the governorates.

The initiative aims at providing decent and stable living conditions for beneficiary families that are chosen in accordance with criteria adopted by the Ministry of Social Development, Petra reported, adding that it is a manifestation of His Majesty’s vision of achieving sustainable development in the social and economic spheres. 

Royal Court Chief Yousef Issawi handed over the keys of new houses to beneficiary families and toured the fully-equipped and furnished residences, accompanied by Minister of Public Works and Housing Yahya Kisbi, Minister of Social Development Ayman Mufleh, and Aqaba’s governor. 

Issawi said that underprivileged families are the centre of His Majesty’s attention who always issues directives to ensure their well-being, attend to their needs and financially empower them to enhance their living conditions. 

During the ceremony, which witnessed adherence to current health measures due to the spread of COVID-19, the families expressed deep appreciation towards the Royal initiative, adding that they are reflective of His Majesty’s commitment to ensuring people’s welfare, Petra reported. 

In a separate visit to Maan, Issawi also checked on the reconstruction and restoration of the Founding King’s Palace which will be transformed, upon Royal directives, into a national museum that tells the history of Jordan’s founding and independence to commemorate the Kingdom’s centennial. 

The palace, with its total area of 27 dunums, has the belongings and photos of the founder of Jordan as well as documents related to the Great Arab Revolt displayed in its hallways, Petra reported.