Engineer Sherif El-Sherbiny, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, outlined the ministry’s strategies for optimizing financial resources and managing land and investment opportunities in new cities. Speaking at the plenary session of the House of Representatives, presided over by Speaker Dr. Hanafy Gebaly, the minister highlighted initiatives aimed at urban development, resource enhancement, and governance.
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ToggleKey Initiatives
- Intensified Land and Housing Offerings:
The ministry has accelerated the allocation of lands and residential units in new cities, while implementing auctions for waste management and advertising to maximize revenues. - Financial Incentives and Reconciliation Efforts:
- The ministry offers financial easements to accelerate collections.
- Applications for reconciliation on building violations and regularization requests are being evaluated.
- The expansion of smart and prepaid water meters has improved collection rates and revenue streams.
- Transparent Investment Allocation:
- Opportunities for urban investments, excluding industrial and workshop activities, are allocated through the Investors’ Services Portal between the 1st and 15th of every month.
- Only Egyptian companies can apply, ensuring fairness and transparency. Proposals are reviewed electronically, and winners are selected based on financial bids, with approvals finalized by the Board of Directors.
- Tourism Investment Opportunities:
The General Authority for Tourism Development plans to offer 50 investment opportunities, targeting 45,460 new rooms as part of its strategic development framework.
Support for Reconciliation and Urban Stability
El-Sherbiny emphasized the ministry’s commitment to implementing the reconciliation law on building violations, aiming to achieve a stable and aesthetic urban landscape. Awareness campaigns encourage citizens to submit reconciliation requests, reducing the burden on city authorities and allowing a focus on developmental projects.
New Initiatives for Law-Abiding Citizens
Starting December 1, compliant citizens who adhered to building regulations can apply for increased construction percentages for rooftop rooms. This initiative acknowledges their commitment to building codes and provides additional benefits.
Sustainable Urban Growth
Through these measures, the Ministry of Housing continues to drive urban growth, attract investments, and ensure sustainable development in Egypt’s new cities.
