Egypt plans to expand urban development nationwide to accommodate nearly 10 million people by 2022, according to Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said.
She said that the main objectives of the plan are to raise the proportion of the inhabited area from 7% to 8% and allocate at least a third of public investments for urban development in Upper Egypt and border governorates.
This came during the announcement of the fourth and final plan for FY 2021/22 of the medium-term plan for sustainable development FY 2018-2022.
El-Said explained that the plan for the current fiscal year was based on many development concepts that were represented in sustainable development, inclusive growth, balanced spatial development, as well as planning tools based on the thought of strategic planning and participatory planning.
The objectives of the field of urban development and environmental improvement also included rationalizing energy use, continuing environmental development efforts, treating pollutants, reducing carbon dioxide emissions to global levels, and expanding the use of clean technology and waste recycling projects at the level of all governorates.
The objectives of the field of urban development and environmental improvement also included the completion of the implementation of the programme to remove all unsafe areas, in addition to continuing the work of development, revival, and maintenance of historical areas to preserve the civilizational and cultural heritage.
El-Said pointed out that urbanization activities, in general, are characterized by a high intensity of operation due to the multiplicity of its fields, diversity, and spatial extension, as well as being an essential component and a common element in the investments of economic sectors.
She highlighted the concerted efforts of ministries and all state agencies to achieve environmental sustainability and developing a green economy.
El-Said indicated that the Ministry of Planning in cooperation with the Environment Ministry prepared a guide to environmental sustainability standards.
“The first version was presented in 2021 under the name of the strategic framework for green recovery,” she said.
