Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, revealed plans to launch tens of thousands of housing units aimed at middle-income, upper-middle, and premium housing segments. This initiative is designed to meet the diverse needs of various social groups.
Additionally, the ministry’s strategy through 2030 includes offering around 25,000 small residential land plots in new cities, divided among different housing categories (middle-income, premium, and ultra-premium). These plots will be part of the “Beit Al-Watan” project for Egyptians living abroad, providing them with investment opportunities back home.
Urban Renewal and Informal Settlement Development
El-Sherbiny also highlighted the ministry’s efforts in urban renewal and the development of informal settlements. Key projects include the redevelopment of historically and culturally significant areas such as the “Great Transfiguration” project in St. Catherine and initiatives in Historic Cairo.
Moreover, the minister emphasized the importance of road projects led by the Central Agency for Reconstruction in several governorates, aimed at improving quality of life, fostering partnerships with the private sector, and transforming Upper Egypt into an attractive destination for investment. The ministry is also making strides in improving drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.
New Urban Communities Authority and Sustainable City Expansion
The minister discussed the role of the New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) in promoting the expansion of sustainable cities and fourth-generation cities as part of Egypt’s broader urbanization strategy. The government is focused on increasing the habitable area of the country by developing new, sustainable urban areas.
El-Sherbiny noted that the ministry is actively working on the ongoing development of 22 existing cities by implementing diverse housing projects, improving services, and enhancing the quality of life. He added that a key part of the future plan involves maximizing the investment potential of these cities’ assets, ensuring their financial sustainability for the long term.