The Maysha Al-Moabi Society for Culture and Arts has issued an evaluation report on the progress of development projects in Karak Governorate, revealing a clear gap between officially announced completion rates and the on-the-ground reality, more than two years after the government’s development plan was launched.

The report reviews the trajectory of projects since the Cabinet’s first visit to Karak in 2024, when a package of around 158 projects worth approximately 266 million dinars was announced as part of a development plan extending to 2026, aimed at achieving a comprehensive transformation across sectors.

According to the report, while the official completion rate stands at about 85%, the analytical assessment estimates actual progress at between 60% and 65%, indicating a discrepancy between reported figures and field implementation.

Strong Progress in Roads, Ongoing Gaps in Service Infrastructure
In the public works sector, road projects recorded high completion rates ranging from 80% to 90%, including key routes such as Karak–Southern Jordan Valley, Al-Mazar Al-Janoubi–Mutah–Karak, and sections of the Qatraneh–Karak road. The report described this progress as “clear and tangible,” but noted it is largely concentrated in fast-track projects rather than representing a comprehensive development shift.

Flood mitigation and service infrastructure projects were described as “relatively good,” having reduced damage in areas such as Thnieh, Al-Marj, and Abu Hammour, but without providing a lasting solution, particularly in Wadi Karak, where implementation remains minimal.

Partial Improvement in Education, Uneven Water Distribution
In education, completion rates ranged between 65% and 75%, including the construction and expansion of schools across several districts. However, the report noted that overcrowding persists in some rural areas.

In the water sector, completion ranged from 50% to 60%, with improvements to water networks in several areas. Despite this, distribution remains uneven, affecting service quality across the governorate.

Health and Investment Fall Short of Expectations
The health sector recorded completion rates between 45% and 55%, including expansions at Karak Government Hospital and the establishment of health centers. However, the comprehensive health center serving around 70,000 residents has yet to be expanded.

In investment and industry, progress ranged from 40% to 50%. The report acknowledged initial movement but noted it has yet to evolve into a genuine economic driver for the governorate.

Tourism and Sanitation Lag Behind
The report indicated that tourism remains largely in the planning stage, with completion rates between 20% and 30%, despite projects such as the rehabilitation of Karak Castle and the revitalization of the old city center. The cable car project has not yet commenced.

Sanitation was identified as the most delayed sector, with actual implementation estimated at only 10% to 20%. Most networks remain incomplete, and treatment plants and expansions have not been fully executed, exacerbating environmental and health challenges and negatively impacting investment and tourism.

Incomplete Projects and Criticism of Sports Facilities
The report also noted that the Prince Faisal Sports City has achieved only about 15% completion, stating that it does not meet local expectations and appears closer to a recreational facility than a fully integrated sports complex.

Conclusion: Service Improvements Without Full Development Transformation
The report concluded that while there has been measurable improvement in basic services in areas such as Al-Mazar Al-Janoubi, Al-Qasr, Al-Marj, and Karak city, a comprehensive development transformation has yet to be achieved, particularly in strategic sectors such as sanitation, tourism, and investment.

Recommendations for the Next Phase
The report called for prioritizing the completion of key projects, particularly sanitation systems and the expansion of the Rasees treatment plant, as well as advancing tourism development in the city center and Mutah, and boosting investment in Qatraneh. It also recommended constructing an underpass near the Directorate of Agriculture road and expanding the Karak comprehensive health center.

The society stressed that the next phase requires a stronger focus on projects capable of delivering sustainable development, improving living standards, and supporting the local economy in the governorate.