Cairo, Egypt – Dr. Sayed Ismail, Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, chaired an extensive meeting for the central crisis management unit at the Ministry of Housing. The meeting focused on preventive measures and preparations for the upcoming winter season, particularly concerning heavy rains and potential floods in urban areas, aiming to safeguard citizens and protect real estate investments.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Housing, the New Urban Communities Authority, and representatives from the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, alongside the National Housing and Building Research Center. Attendees also included leaders from major cities like New Damietta, New Mansoura, and the 10th of Ramadan, who participated via video conference.
Dr. Ismail emphasized the critical role of the crisis management unit in coordinating with the Prime Minister’s crisis teams, relevant ministries, and regional units within the water and wastewater companies and new urban city authorities nationwide. He stressed the importance of rapid communication to ensure prompt decision-making and effective crisis response to minimize impact and ensure public satisfaction.
The meeting reviewed the preventive measures taken to date and discussed strategies for addressing potential heavy rains or flash floods. The discussion also covered the readiness of water and wastewater companies in various governorates and new cities, emphasizing the need for regular maintenance, flood channel clearance, and scenario planning for early intervention.
Dr. Ismail further highlighted the importance of training a highly skilled crisis management team, with clear protocols for receiving reports and taking swift action. The meeting concluded with presentations from city leaders detailing the measures in place to handle emergencies, showcasing equipment readiness and logistical plans to manage potential winter floods.
The Deputy Minister reiterated the necessity of holding regular meetings and maintaining continuous coordination among all crisis management units at both national and regional levels.