Minister of Housing Reports on Crackdown Against Building Violations in New Cairo

On Monday, Engineer Sherif El-Sharbeni, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, announced the execution of extensive campaigns that resulted in the removal of illegal construction activities and the closure of non-compliant operations on residential plots and villas in New Cairo. These actions are part of the ongoing efforts by various new city authorities to address and manage violations.

El-Sharbeni emphasized that tackling violations and responding swiftly is the responsibility of each city authority head. He highlighted that there would be no reconciliation for any new building violations, and any new infractions will be promptly removed. He also noted the presence of field teams dedicated to monitoring and addressing violations decisively.

Engineer Abdel Raouf El-Ghaiti, Head of the New Cairo City Authority, detailed several actions taken:

• Removal of Unauthorized Structures: Buildings with increased construction ratios in the roof areas were removed from Plot 243 in Banasq 1 and Plot 216 in Yasmin 7. Additionally, illegal columns were removed from Plot 60 in Banasq 11 in the First Settlement area.
• Legal Actions: Legal measures have been taken against the owners of the violating plots.
• Closure and Seizure: A villa at Plot 34, Group 13 in Al-Rehab City was shut down, its activities halted, and its equipment confiscated for operating as a restaurant instead of a residential unit. Similarly, a unit on the ground floor of Villa 18, Area 1, Violet District in the First Settlement was closed and sealed for converting from residential to administrative use in violation of allocation conditions.

Additional removals included:

• Unauthorized Floors: Illegal floors at Plot 600 Andalus 2/2 and Plot 90 Area S Gardenia 1 were dismantled, including walls and ceilings. Similar actions were taken at Plot 137 Harf J Gardenia 3 and Plot 175 Andalus 2/1 in the Third Settlement, with buildings, walls, and columns being removed.

In the Fifth Settlement, the campaigns led to the removal of illegal constructions on roof areas at Plot 191 Narcissus, the removal of unauthorized works on the side returns of Plot 250 South of the Academy, and the halting of increased roof room construction at Plot 77, Second District, First Zone.

The Minister of Housing stressed the importance of these enforcement measures in maintaining order and ensuring compliance with urban planning regulations in New Cairo.