Dr. Sayed Ismail, Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, met with representatives from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation to discuss potential cooperation in future projects targeted by the Ministry of Housing in the utilities sector. The Ministry of Housing’s Project Management Unit (PMU) representatives also attended the meeting.
At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Sayed Ismail welcomed the World Bank representatives and expressed his appreciation for the successful collaboration between both parties in several projects, including the Sustainable Rural Sanitation Services Program, which was implemented in two phases across the governorates of Sharqia, Dakahlia, Beheira, Menoufia, Gharbia, and Damietta.
The World Bank representatives acknowledged the Ministry of Housing’s achievements in developing the national strategy for the drinking water and sanitation sector. They praised the performance of the Project Management Unit. They presented proposed financing projects to reduce water losses and sludge treatment and establish a public-private partnership unit. Dr. Sayed Ismail emphasized that these projects align with the ministry’s vision and national strategy until 2050, including ensuring water services’ sustainability, minimizing losses, reusing sludge, and enhancing private sector participation.
Dr. Sayed Ismail highlighted that the utility sector has an investment plan for projects up to 2050, with further planning beyond the “Decent Life” initiative. He also discussed the issuance of the State Ownership Policy Document and efforts to promote public-private sector partnerships. Desalination and sludge management projects are planned to be implemented through such partnerships.
In conclusion, an agreement was reached to develop an implementation plan covering the projects discussed with the World Bank representatives.