A German-EU delegation has visited the Solid Waste Management Unit in Assiut and a newly delivered waste collection fleet, as part of the National Solid Waste Management Programme (NSWMP).
In attendance during the visit were Germany’s Ambassador to Egypt Cyrill Nunn, the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Egypt Christian Berger, alongside Assiut Governor Essam Saad.
The NSWMP aims to implement effective policy, legislation, and institutional arrangements for waste management in Egypt, coupled with the related infrastructure.
The different NSWMP projects are designed to contribute to environmental and climate protection, the conservation of resources and the reduction of health-related hazards for the population. The programme will improve solid waste management services for about 6.4 million people, including 2 million in Assiut.
“It is very impressive to see the tangible results of this fruitful international cooperation,” Ambassador Nunn said, “Sustainable waste management is not only a key element when it comes to long-term environmental and climate-related issues, but it also has a direct positive effect on the quality of life of thousands of people.”
Berger added, “Solid waste management is a top priority for health, environmental protection and a sustainable economy. As partners and friends, the EU is proud to support Egypt on this path.”
The NSWMP has been set up in cooperation with the Egyptian government, the EU, the Swiss Confederation’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the German Development Cooperation Agency (GIZ), and the German Development Bank (KfW). It has total financing of more than €68m and is composed of both technical and financial assistance.
