Dr. Sayed Ismail, Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, chaired a meeting at the Regulatory Authority for Drinking Water and Sanitation to follow up on directives from Minister Sherif El-Sherbiny regarding field review plans for the efficiency of water and wastewater treatment plants nationwide. The meeting was attended by key officials, including Dr. Osama Hamdy, Advisor to the Ministry for Monitoring and Utilities, Dr. Mohamed Hassan, CEO of the Regulatory Authority, and representatives from the Ministry’s Project Management Unit.
Dr. Ismail welcomed the attendees and underscored the importance of adhering to directives during field visits by ministry leadership. Representatives of the Regulatory Authority presented their 2024/2025 field review plan and reports on monitoring efforts in governorates like South Sinai, Damietta, Matrouh, Kafr El-Sheikh, and Port Said. The Deputy Minister directed the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater and the National Authority for Water and Sanitation to implement the recommendations detailed in the reports.
Key discussions included the governance of operations and maintenance for existing plants, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and supporting technical teams managing the facilities. Dr. Ismail stressed the need for efficient management of treatment plants, particularly in coastal and border areas, to utilize treated water for appropriate purposes and reduce reliance on desalinated water. He also highlighted the importance of enhancing desalination projects through state ownership policies and private sector participation.
Economic analyses conducted by the Regulatory Authority were presented, with Dr. Ismail emphasizing their role in informed decision-making. The meeting also reviewed the status of ministerial directives, such as installing prepaid meters and efforts to reduce water loss and optimize consumption.
Dr. Ismail concluded the meeting by reiterating the state’s commitment to achieving the highest quality in drinking water and sanitation services. Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and governance remain central to meeting citizens’ needs and ensuring sustainable development in water management systems.