Dr. Sayed Ismail, Egypt’s Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, visited Menoufia Governorate yesterday to assess progress on integrated rural sanitation projects. These initiatives are part of the Sustainable Rural Sanitation Services Program (SRSSP), supported by the World Bank. The visit was accompanied by Michael Hani from the World Bank, Eng. Roshdy Omar, Chairman of Menoufia Water and Wastewater Company, and other officials from the Ministry’s PMU and project stakeholders.
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ToggleProgress on Key Sanitation Projects
Dr. Ismail reviewed several strategic projects under the “Hayah Karima” (Decent Life) initiative and the governorate’s winter readiness measures. The sanitation program aims to construct comprehensive wastewater systems, including household connections, collection networks, pumping stations, treatment plants, and final discharge pipelines.
The program in Menoufia encompasses:
- 33 villages and related areas.
- Servicing 48,000 housing units.
- Execution of 15 projects, with a collective progress rate of 93%.
At the Saft Jidam Treatment Plant, the deputy minister received updates from the contractor, Etos Company. The plant, serving six villages and around 46,000 residents, has reached 89% completion in civil and electromechanical works. Scheduled for completion in March 2025, the plant will operate at a design capacity of 6,000 m³/day.
Local Engagement and Innovation
Dr. Ismail emphasized the importance of community involvement, highlighting local committees’ role in facilitating land donations for project implementation. He praised efforts to raise awareness about water conservation and asset management.
The visit also included:
- Touring station components: Inlet chambers, oil removal tanks, biological treatment basins, and sedimentation ponds.
- Highlighting local manufacturing: Etos demonstrated its ability to produce electromechanical components domestically, aligning with Egypt’s push for industrial localization.
Sustainable Practices and Future Goals
Dr. Ismail underscored the SRSSP’s focus on operational efficiency, advanced monitoring systems, and rigorous maintenance standards. The program leverages a results-based financing mechanism, linking funding to measurable outcomes, ensuring accountability, and reducing financial burdens on the government.
Conclusion
The Deputy Minister and World Bank delegation commended the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders in Menoufia. Dr. Ismail concluded by reiterating the program’s role as a model for nationwide water and wastewater projects, combining sustainable development with community-oriented goals.
