The unjustified population growth in Egypt exhausts state development efforts and deprives the citizen of benefiting of these efforts, Minister of Local Development Mahmoud Shaarawy has stressed.
The minister added that the increase in population levels will also prevent citizens from breaking out of the cycle of poverty, and improving their economic and social levels.
In a statement celebrating World Population Day on 11 July, Shaarawy explained that intensive work is needed to improve population characteristics, and increase citizen awareness on reproductive health and optimal family size.
Shaarawy added that his ministry is keen on supporting the implementation of the 10th pillar under Egypt’s Vision 2030, which focuses on the country’s sustainable development. The 10th pillar aims at accommodating inhabitants and improve quality of life through the proper management of land and resources.
The minister emphasised the importance of moving forward to tackle overpopulation, characteristics, and density; achieving social justice; and bridging development gaps. This should take place despite the difficult conditions the country is going through due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
He pointed out that the Ministry of Local Development fully supports the population programme which has been implemented across 10 governorates. Aimed at activating a local response to the population issue, the programme has been set up in Giza, Sohag, Qena, Luxor, and Aswan, among others.
Expressing his appreciation for the support given by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Shaarawy said that his ministry is working closely with international and national partners to implement the programme.
He added that his ministry will complete work on the local electronic information board “Dashboard”, which was established to evaluate the performance of the programme. It also looks towards developing a clear framework for partnerships.
