The nucleus of this Ministry was established with the East Jordan Emirate, in 1923. It was called then (Al Naf’a -the benefit-provider Department). The name was derived from the tasks and duties of this Department. It is (Naf’a - beneficial) because of the useful work it accomplishes. In 1939, the Al Naf’a Department was adjoined to the Ministry of Transport and continued as such until 1954, when it acquired its own name and its independent entity and was named (the Ministry of Public Works).

The Objectives:

The Ministry of Pubic Works and Housing undertakes the construction and development of the network of roads in the Kingdom, connecting cities, villages and housing areas, industrial and agricultural locations, tourist and archaeological sites, as well as connecting the Kingdom with neighboring countries. It maintains this network and keeps it up to standard. It also undertakes the construction of buildings and government constructions, and the development of work in the construction sector, as well as the development of technical human resources.

Tasks and Duties:

·            Setting plans and preparing studies and designs necessary for constructing the public road network, village and agricultural roads, maintaining them and ensuring their safety.

·            Preparing studies and designs for government building projects, supervising their execution and their maintenance.

·            Conducting tests and lab analyses for construction material and work and for quality control.

·            Conducting research, theoretical and practical studies related to roads and buildings.

·            Preparing legislations related to buildings and roads, updating them and veloping their specifications.

·            Updating the principles and methods used in construction project designs and their maintenance.

·            Contributing, alongside the specialized departments, institutions and commissions, to the setting up and implementation of legislations related to transport and the maintenance of roads.

·            Putting in place and managing training programs for engineers and professionals.

·            Undertaking other tasks assigned by the Cabinet or the National Construction Council.