(AFP Photo)
By Mohammed Ayyad
The government’s decision to use coal as an energy source in the cement industry is final and irreversible in solving the country’s energy crisis, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb said Monday.
The Ministry of Environment is expected to issue regulations governing the import of coal and its use in cement plants next month.
Egypt is experiencing a severe fuel crisis caused by a shortage in gas production and increasing consumption as the summer months of high electricity consumption are approaching.
In remarks made during his visit to Suez Governorate, Mehleb denied reports about the government’s intention to transfer authority over Suez to the Cairo governorate. He also said he had not canceled the agreement signed by Egyptian television concerning an advertising agreement between Lebanese agency Choueiri and MBC, whereby Egyptian television will receive EGP 300m annually for a period of three years.
The prime minister also cited a number of projects the government is implementing in the Al-Adabia area, with total costs reaching EGP 79m, pointing out that work is underway to improve the Al-Adabia road to Suez, of 16km in length. He added that a 2km path is being built to allow the entry of trucks, in addition to a 390 metre pier in the city’s port. In addition, four electronic gates are being built and four parking spaces for trucks.
