Prime Minister Samir Rifai on Tuesday instructed authorities in Deir Alla to work out "immediate solutions" to the problems in the health, education, services and infrastructure sectors in this Jordan Valley town. During his tour of the mainly farming area, Rifai stressed the need to address all problems and challenges facing the agriculture sector, which constitutes a major pillar for citizens' income in the Jordan Valley.

Briefed on Deir Alla farmers' needs and the problems they face, the premier instructed Minister of Water and Irrigation Mahammad Najjar to slash accumulated fines on illegal use of water resources from JD0.25 to JD0.05 for every cubic metre, and to allow farmers to dig one well for each two farming units.

Rifai also instructed the Water Authority to implement a maintenance project for the water networks in Deir Alla during this year.

In addition, Rifai reiterated that the government is committed to protecting underprivileged families and the middle class from inflation and hikes in prices of basic items, pointing out that inflation in Jordan is mainly “imported” due to rise in commodity prices on global markets.

The premier added that despite the fact that correction of these imbalances will be at the expense of the state budget, the government is committed to achieving a balance between the unprecedented budget deficit and citizens’ needs.

Rifai also instructed Minister of Public Works and Housing Mohammad Obeidat to form a technical committee tasked with finding solutions to problems facing housing units in Deir Alla.

The premier also directed Minister of Social Development and Women’s Affairs Hala Lattouf to allocate funds for underprivileged families in the area.

Also yesterday, the Council of Ministers decided to dedicate one day of every month to visit one governorate and meet representatives of civil society organisations to check on the needs of its citizens.