Jordan Times reported that dozens of Fuheis residents demonstrated at the town square demanding the relocation of a cement factory owned by the Jordan Lafarge Cement Factories Company.

A small town of 25,000 residents situated 10 kilometers west of Amman Fuheis is known for its olive groves and pleasant weather. But it hosts the cement factory, which residents blame for causing numerous health problems by emitting clouds of dust and chemicals.

Fuheis Mayor Jeryes Sweiss, who was among the protesters, blamed the government for its lack of action. He said that we are members of civil society who want the factory to be placed outside of town.

Residents said that the health hazards are most visible during the dry summer months as orchards become coated with layers of cement dust. Resident Mr Geris Dawood said that "I have been living here for 30 years. Whenever I want to harvest olives, I first have to wash off layers of cement from the trees. Our town is infested with polluted air from the factory. We have been pushing for its relocation but we have failed.

The tension between the factory and Fuheis residents dates back to 1954, when the factory was established. Town residents said that they initially tolerated the plant due to its limited production.

Previously, officials from the Ministry of Environment said that a feasibility study is being carried out to determine the economic, environmental and social effects of relocating the factory before making a decision. In 2005, the factory installed USD 3.5 million dust filter in a bid to reduce emissions.

Company officials said that filter, which replaced the old and ineffective de dusting system was part of their efforts to address the environmental concerns of the town's residents.

(Sourced from Jordan Times)