(AFP Photo/Cris Bouroncle)
Minister of Housing Moustafa Madbouly announced the completion of sewage projects in 10 villages as part of a grant from the UAE.
In addition, 35 other projects are currently under implementation within the grant, which will be completed by 30 June. The projects are being implemented in seven governorates, including four Delta governorates and three Upper Egyptian governorates, to improve sanitation services in Egyptian villages and preserve citizens’ health and the environment.
Madbouly stressed Egyptian companies are implementing these projects, including the Arab Contractors Company, the Egyptian Construction Company, the Helwan Factory for Developed Industries (HFDI) and the El-Nasr Company for Buildings and Construction (EGYCO).
In January 2014, the National Authority for Drinking Water and Sanitation signed a cooperation protocol with the UAE to finance sewage projects in 135 villages, with EGP 1.8bn in funding .
Egypt faces challenges in covering sanitation services for all villages, with only 15% of villages receiving waste-water sanitation treatment. This pushed the Ministry of Housing to develop an intensive plan to cover Egyptian villages’ sewage services within five years.
The ministry plans to provide sewage services for approximately 40% of villages within two years, with an increase rate of 25% from the current rate. In addition, it plans to cover the remainder of the villages within another two years to reach 100% coverage in the fifth year.
