Egypt is accelerating the implementation of a comprehensive plan to restore the ecological balance of Lake Qarun, with a strong focus on wastewater treatment and pollution reduction, according to the Ministry of Local Development and Environment.
In an official statement, the ministry said Minister Manal Awad met with Fayoum Governor Mohamed Ghoneim and representatives of relevant authorities to review progress on projects aimed at improving water quality and promoting sustainable resource management in Fayoum Governorate.
Awad described the Lake Qarun file as a top government priority, stressing the importance of enhanced inter-agency co-ordination to accelerate implementation and deliver tangible environmental improvements.
Discussions highlighted progress on the rehabilitation of the industrial wastewater treatment plant in Kom Oshim, which has a design capacity of around 19,000 cubic metres per day and a total investment of EGP 450m. The project has reached approximately 70% completion. The minister directed that the necessary funding be secured to ensure its timely completion, given its critical role in reducing pollution levels in the lake.
The meeting also reviewed a broader wastewater services development programme in Fayoum, targeting around 1.9 million beneficiaries. The programme includes the construction and expansion of treatment plants, sewerage networks, and pumping stations, supported by European development partners.
Under the Decent Life initiative, several treatment facilities are being developed and upgraded in the Itsa and Youssef El-Seddik districts, with the aim of increasing sewage service coverage to approximately 86% of the population.
According to the ministry, the lake has already shown signs of relative environmental improvement, allowing fishing activities to resume. This follows a series of interventions, including the release of around 6 million shrimp fry in August 2025 and the introduction of new fish species to support biodiversity recovery.
The meeting also addressed wider development efforts across Fayoum, including infrastructure upgrades and local economic development projects. Awad called for accelerating implementation under the 2025-2026 investment plan and removing any obstacles to ensure projects are completed on schedule.
Participants further discussed a proposal to establish a salt extraction plant at the lake, with instructions to conduct a comprehensive environmental impact assessment. The minister also emphasised the importance of raising public awareness around safe waste disposal practices as part of an integrated approach to restoring the lake’s ecological balance.
