Zarqa is one of Jordan’s oldest industrial centers. Intensive industrial activity began there in the 1960s with the opening of the oil refinery and the expansion of power-generation operations. The industrial map later expanded to include a wide range of facilities and factories across different parts of the governorate.

In the districts of Hashemiyah and Dhleil, industrial facilities operate alongside residential communities, creating a complex environmental reality for residents. On one hand, these facilities are important to the economy and provide employment. On the other, residents have raised concerns about the impact of emissions, odors and dust on the local environment.

Residents say Hashemiyah and Dhleil host a major concentration of industrial facilities that contribute to the national economy and provide jobs. But according to their accounts, the proximity of these facilities to residential areas has also been associated with environmental problems that have persisted for years, including air pollution, unpleasant odors and dust generated by some activities, including quarries.

Residents say the scale of industrial activity has made environmental challenges part of everyday life in the area. They are calling for stronger measures to reduce pollution and protect air quality and public health.

One resident of Dhleil said residents recognize the importance of industry and its economic contribution, but believe that the continued operation of industrial facilities should be accompanied by clear measures to improve the environment around residential communities.

In Hashemiyah, Omar Shaheen, who has lived in the district for more than 30 years, said the scale of industrial activity becomes particularly apparent when viewing the area from above.

He pointed to the large number of industrial and service facilities concentrated within a relatively limited geographical area, including power-generation facilities, the Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant, the oil refinery and steel factories, while green spaces remain limited, according to his description.

Shaheen believes this concentration of industrial activity has affected environmental conditions in the area. He said residents have long experienced problems involving insects, odors and other environmental concerns that he says have persisted for decades.

He stressed that these complaints are not new to residents of Hashemiyah. According to his account, they date back many years, prompting residents to call for more effective measures to address their impact.

Anas Mohammad Al-Hamad, meanwhile, said pollution directly affects residents’ lives, pointing to complaints involving respiratory problems and allergies, as well as potential effects on soil, vegetation and the wider environmental quality.

Residents of Hashemiyah are calling for additional measures to improve air quality and strengthen environmental and public-health protections. They stress that, in their view, the solution is not to remove existing industrial facilities, particularly because they are linked to economic activity and employment.

One resident said what is needed is a balance between maintaining industrial activity and ensuring that companies fulfill their responsibilities toward the environment and surrounding communities, including making a visible contribution to improving local environmental conditions.

In this regard, residents say corporate social responsibility initiatives could include supporting tree-planting projects, improving environmental infrastructure and helping reduce the effects of pollution, alongside full compliance with environmental standards and regulations.

The reporting team contacted the oil refinery and the Ministry of Environment seeking clarification and an official response to the observations and complaints raised by residents. No response had been received by the time the report was prepared.

The report recognizes the right of the Ministry of Environment, the oil refinery and other relevant authorities to respond and provide clarification, including data on emission levels, environmental monitoring and measures taken to limit the impact of industrial activity in the area.

With the industrial sector playing an important role in the local economy while residents continue to raise concerns about environmental and health impacts, the situation in Hashemiyah and Dhleil requires continued monitoring and transparent data capable of measuring the scale and sources of pollution and identifying the measures needed to protect residents, without overlooking the economic role of industrial facilities.