Cairo: Deputy Minister for Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities Said Ismail met with representatives from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation to discuss cooperation on future projects targeted by the Ministry of Housing in the utilities sector. Present at the meeting were representatives from the Project Management Unit (PMU) at the Ministry of Housing.

According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr. Said Ismail welcomed the World Bank representatives, commending the successful joint cooperation on numerous projects, including the Sustainable Sanitation Services Programme in rural areas, which has been implemented in two phases across various governorates. The World Bank representatives praised the ministry’s achievements in preparing the national strategy for the drinking water and sanitation sector, as well as the performance of the PMU.

The World Bank representatives proposed a range of projects for financing in collaboration with the ministry. These projects aim at reducing wa
ter losses, addressing unaccounted-for water, enhancing sludge treatment and utilisation, and establishing a public-private partnership unit. Dr. Said Ismail stated that these proposed areas align with the Ministry’s vision and the national strategy for the sector up to 2050, which includes sustainability of services, reduction of water losses, and private sector involvement.

Dr. Ismail confirmed that the utilities sector has an investment plan for targeted projects until 2050, with planning underway for initiatives beyond the “Decent Life” initiative. He also mentioned the issuance of the state ownership document and efforts to ensure the success of public-private partnerships, particularly in desalination and sludge management projects.

In conclusion, an agreement was reached to develop an executive plan outlining the actions reviewed during the meeting with the World Bank representatives.