Cairo: Dr Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of Environment, convened a meeting with the World Bank’s technical mission to evaluate the findings of their recent visit concerning the Air Pollution and Climate Change Management Project in Greater Cairo. This initiative, developed in partnership with the World Bank, involves a substantial investment of $200 million. The meeting saw the participation of key figures such as Dr Ali Abou Sinna, Executive Chairman of the Environment Agency; Mr Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority; Dr Mohamed Hassan, National Coordinator for the project; a representative from the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development and International Cooperation; and World Bank representatives.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Dr Yasmin Fouad reviewed the mission’s findings on the project’s various activities, including progress on the electric buses project, with the first batch nearing delivery. Discussions also covered the mission’s evaluation of the integrated waste management facility in the city of 10th of Ramadan and updates on the planned closure of the Abu Zaabal landfill in Qalyubia. Timelines, financial frameworks, and implementation challenges were also key topics during the meeting.
The Minister also explored strategies with the mission to boost private sector participation in waste management. This included potential contract models for different waste management activities, particularly in the 10th of Ramadan waste city, and ways to mitigate risks for private sector entities to encourage their involvement. She highlighted that waste management is prioritized for green incentives under the new investment law announced by the Prime Minister.
Dr Fouad monitored the progress on closing the Abu Zaabal landfill, focusing on design completion and tendering processes. Updates on reducing air pollution and enhancing the air quality monitoring system were also discussed, emphasizing capacity building, training, and equipment support.
World Bank mission representatives commended the progress in the Air Pollution and Climate Change Management Project’s activities. They noted that the technical evaluation revealed steady advances, significantly supported by the Minister of Environment. The successful outcomes in waste management were highlighted as promising foundations for future projects in this sector.