Minister of Housing Emphasizes Private Sector Partnership in Water and Sanitation Projects

Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, has stressed the importance of strengthening partnerships with the private sector in water and sanitation projects. He encouraged private sector investments in Egypt in light of the country’s State Ownership Policy Document.

In this context, Dr. Sayed Ismail, Deputy Minister of Housing for Infrastructure Affairs, met with representatives of an Egyptian-German alliance specializing in sludge management, industrial wastewater treatment, and recycling. The alliance demonstrated its global expertise by showcasing projects in Germany and expressed interest in exploring opportunities, such as the Abu Rawash sludge treatment plant in Giza.

The representatives proposed innovative solutions to improve water treatment and recycling efforts. They expressed their readiness to design, execute, manage, and finance long-term partnership projects, supporting Egypt’s ongoing infrastructure advancements.

Dr. Ismail highlighted Egypt’s efforts to promote public-private partnerships, particularly in water and sanitation projects, as part of the country’s shift towards a sustainable development model. He noted that these initiatives align with the 2022 State Ownership Policy Document, which outlines a gradual government exit from desalination and sludge management investments over the next five years.

The Deputy Minister underscored the success of previous collaborations, such as the private sector’s involvement in the New Cairo wastewater treatment plant, with a capacity of 250,000 cubic meters per day, and the operation of the Gabal El-Asfar wastewater treatment plant, the world’s second-largest facility of its kind.

Dr. Ismail also emphasized the ministry’s ongoing efforts to treat industrial wastewater, preserve the environment, and protect treatment facilities. He called on the private sector to capitalize on available investment opportunities, particularly in new cities, where the ministry is committed to overcoming any challenges that might arise for private sector partners.

In conclusion, the Ministry of Housing reaffirmed its dedication to collaborating with the private sector to manage water and sanitation systems, ensuring sustainable growth and meeting Egypt’s development goals.