I proceeded to the mountainous area of Ajloun with pride, joy, and pleasure at a time when King Abdullah II Ibn Al-Hussein visited the governorate anew, accompanied by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, who inaugurated with His Majesty the King a number of projects, the most important of which in this visit was relevant to the téléphérique (cable car) project.
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However, we came under the impression--during the meeting which we, the people of Ajloun Governorate, had the honor to take part in and listen to His Majesty's directives and the government’s reports--that the téléphérique is not the ultimate goal but rather a means of linking with other touristic sites. Ajloun Governorate exudes charming nature, wonderful mountainous climate, history, as well as cultural and religious heritages. In Ajloun, there are large and significant numbers of archaeological and religious sites that testify to the profound nature of its history, in addition to the firmness of its people who were able to have civilization and history of the past and at present associated with the Hashemites.
His Majesty the King said that the téléphérique should serve as a link among touristic sites, and thus it is imperative that the officials in the governorate and everyone who can map out a tourism plan in this unique governorate act until the investment door is first opened on both sides of the téléphérique, so that it would not just serve as a fleeting visit without enabling tourists, visitors, or pilgrims to this governorate to benefit from the investments and the services provided there.
I propose, for instance, to have the téléphérique trip start from Ajloun Castle while incorporating a visit by bus to this castle which is entrenched in history. And upon arriving in Ishtafenah which is nearby Mar Elias grotto, they can return by bus that transports the visiters to Mar Elias grotto that is glorified in the Holy Bible and the Holy Koran. Then they can return by the téléphérique or their cars. This is what I sensed from this meeting and from the vision of His Majesty the King whereby the téléphérique is meant to ensure tourist connection among the sites of Ajloun.
When listening to a number of addresses, I sensed the optimism of the officials or the speakers because we cannot hide the achievements that have been attained in the tourism and agricultural fields, which are the backbone of life in Ajloun. However, there were definitley some missing services or basic issues that need awareness and care, as we have realized when listening to His Majesty the King and in his expressions with his assistants that there is seriousness in resolving problems, especially those relevant to the issue of water that is not supplied to Ajloun in a sustainable and sufficient way, as well as roads, especially the road between Amman and Ajloun that should be multi-lane in order to save time and reduce covered distances.
Congratulations to Ajloun on this visit, and thanks to Governor of Ajloun Dr. Qublan Al-Sharif and his assistants who excelled in the preparations for this visit in association with the Royal Court and the governmental departments so that this would be a royal visit par excellence. Many thank also go to all those who talked about the positive aspects in Ajloun, and to everyone who was frank and made demands for this dear governorate. I am sure that there will be follow-up in the wake of this visit by the Royal Court and the government as well by the Jordan Armed Forces. It is an honorable request that the people demanded that the number of recruited youngsters in the Armed Forces and the Public Security Department be doubled. This, of course, indicates that the people of the governorate are ready to serve their country in these two institutions that constitute a cornerstone in the state's prestige, security, and stability.
