Dr. Sid Ismail, the Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, recently met with representatives from a global consortium specializing in investment, operation, and maintenance of drinking water and sewage facilities. The discussion focused on opportunities for private sector participation, particularly in the areas of water desalination plants, sewage treatment plants, and sludge management. The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry’s Project Management Unit, underscoring the Ministry’s commitment to fostering public-private partnerships in the water and sewage sector.
Emphasizing Private Sector Engagement
Dr. Ismail opened the meeting by welcoming the consortium representatives and highlighting the significant advancements in water and sewage project implementation over recent years. He praised the development of execution mechanisms and the improved quality of project implementation, stressing the Ministry’s dedication to encouraging private sector participation.
He also reiterated that the Ministry is fully prepared to offer various forms of support to private sector companies specializing in water and sewage projects. This includes facilitating the execution, operation, and management of water treatment and sewage systems, as well as tackling any challenges these companies might encounter, in line with the state’s ownership policy.
The Consortium’s Experience and Global Reach
Representatives from the consortium shared their company’s history, including their extensive experience in executing and maintaining water and sewage projects worldwide. They also discussed their previous projects in Egypt and other countries, with a particular focus on drinking water desalination and sewage treatment plants, as well as sludge management.
The consortium members emphasized their team’s expertise in assessing existing and planned plants in Egypt and identifying the tasks required for successful project implementation. They expressed interest in collaborating with the Ministry to help meet its targets and provide essential water and sewage services to citizens.
Future Private Sector Projects
During the meeting, Dr. Ismail discussed several ongoing and upcoming opportunities for private sector involvement, particularly in the strategic plan for water desalination projects through 2050. He also covered sewage treatment projects, industrial sewage treatment plants, and sludge management initiatives. These projects have already been preliminarily approved by the High Participation Committee, and feasibility studies are underway to begin their execution.
Collaboration with Various Stakeholders
Dr. Ismail concluded the meeting by stressing that private sector participation is a national priority, involving various government entities, including the Ministry of Finance, the Private Sector Partnership Unit, the Central Bank of Egypt, and other relevant authorities. The collaborative effort will ensure that these crucial projects are carried out efficiently, with the involvement of all stakeholders.
