During his speech at the general session of the Egyptian Parliament, Engineer Sherif El-Shorbagy, the Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, outlined the state’s efforts, represented by the Ministry of Housing, to restore historically significant areas and implement the Presidential Initiative “Haya Karima” to develop rural Egypt. The Ministry of Housing is playing a key role in executing projects under this initiative alongside the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces.
Minister El-Shorbagy noted that, under the slogan “Reviving the Historic Heart of Cairo,” the Ministry has launched several projects to restore Islamic and Fatimid Cairo. He highlighted the completion of the restoration and rehabilitation of the Zaynab Khatun House, located in the heart of Old Cairo, which is surrounded by a stunning array of Islamic monuments. The house, dating back to the 4th Hijri century and the 10th AD century, has now been revitalized as part of Cairo’s cultural preservation efforts.
Furthermore, the Minister provided an update on the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and convert the Qaitbay Agency into a historic tourist hotel. This agency, a prime example of Mamluk-era architecture, is situated in the Bab al-Nasr area of Cairo. The restoration works, which include external and internal façade renovations, are being conducted under the supervision of Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities.
El-Shorbagy also spoke about the “Ahl Misr Promenade” project along the banks of the Nile in Cairo. This project aims to create a park and recreational space for citizens. Additionally, he mentioned the ongoing development of St. Catherine’s area, dubbed “The Great Revelation on the Land of Peace,” which includes a new visitor center, museum, eco-lodges, a mountain hotel, government and security buildings, as well as tourist resorts and social clubs.
Minister El-Shorbagy also provided an update on the “Haya Karima” initiative, which aims to develop rural areas across Egypt. He noted that comprehensive sanitation projects are underway in 27 centers, serving 242 villages, alongside ongoing water supply and sanitation network expansions in 372 villages. Additionally, the Ministry is working on expanding potable water projects in 718 villages and rehabilitating 181 water stations, which will collectively supply 1.22 million cubic meters of water per day.
The first phase of the Ministry’s projects under the “Haya Karima” initiative is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. The Minister announced that the second phase of the initiative, which will cover 31 centers and approximately 740 villages, will begin shortly and is scheduled for completion within three years.
Through these projects, the Ministry of Housing aims to improve infrastructure, preserve Egypt’s cultural heritage, and enhance the quality of life for citizens across the country, particularly in underserved rural areas.
