Dr. Sayed Ismail, Deputy Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, met with leaders from a local pump manufacturing company, which collaborates with global factories, to review the progress of locally manufacturing electromechanical equipment needed for water and wastewater projects in Egypt. This meeting aligns with the directives from the political leadership and the Prime Minister, emphasizing the importance of localizing industry, as well as the mandates from Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, to encourage local production and the development of electromechanical equipment for water and wastewater projects.
Attending the meeting were Dr. Osama Hamdy, Advisor to the Ministry of Housing for Monitoring, Projects, and Utilities, Dr. Mohamed Hassan, CEO of the Drinking Water and Wastewater Regulatory Authority, and representatives from the New Urban Communities Authority and the Ministry’s Project Management Unit.
Dr. Ismail began by welcoming the attendees and underscoring the significance of localizing the manufacturing of electromechanical equipment within Egypt. He highlighted the extensive positive impact this will have on various sectors and emphasized the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to encourage local factories to partner with global companies. These collaborations aim to transfer advanced technology to Egypt, meet local market needs for project implementation, and provide full support to factories to overcome any challenges they may face.
One of the key steps taken by the Ministry to promote local manufacturing, Dr. Ismail noted, was the update of technical specifications for electromechanical equipment to align with the capabilities of local factories. This initiative not only boosts local production but also raises awareness among Ministry personnel regarding the evaluation of proposals submitted for projects.
Dr. Ismail also emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards of efficiency, quality, and after-sales services. He highlighted the necessity of training workers in the operational entities, adhering to technical specifications to ensure optimal project performance, and achieving the intended project outcomes.
Moreover, the Deputy Minister stressed the need to comply with laws and regulations related to prioritizing locally manufactured electromechanical equipment during the evaluation of tenders and the approval of technical proposals from contractors and specialized factories.
Representatives from the New Urban Communities Authority shared details about their efforts to update technical specifications for electromechanical equipment required for water and wastewater projects. They highlighted the increased use of locally made pumps in many new urban projects over recent years.
The Authority also requested an extended warranty period for electromechanical equipment, as well as a consistent supply of spare parts and technical support from manufacturers when needed.
Factory representatives detailed the current status of local manufacturing in Egypt, noting that the percentage of locally produced equipment has risen alongside the country’s growing demand for industrial localization and economic development. They affirmed their readiness to meet the local market’s needs, provide guarantees for the equipment, and offer routine maintenance and spare parts. They also expressed their commitment to providing training for operators in the execution entities to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of the equipment.
The meeting concluded with Dr. Ismail emphasizing the importance of maintaining existing pumps and electromechanical equipment through regular maintenance and repairs to extend their operational lifespan and ensure sustainability.