Eng. Nafisa Hashem, Advisor to the Minister of Housing and Head of the Housing and Utilities Sector, discussed the recent Ministerial Decision No. 943/2024, issued by the Minister of Housing. She explained that the decision is designed to encourage citizens to pursue legal construction by removing barriers that previously hindered building activities. The goal is to motivate individuals to obtain proper permits for construction, modifications, or renovations, ensuring compliance with the law.
During a phone interview on the “Kol Al-Zawaya” program with host Sarah Hazem Taha, broadcast on the “ON” channel, Hashem emphasized that one of the major obstacles was the requirement for a registered and notarized contract as part of the licensing documents. This condition had previously slowed down the construction process.
She also highlighted another barrier in the licensing process, where a special unit affiliated with universities would review technical aspects, such as the site suitability statement issued by the administrative authority or the license documents themselves. The recent amendment in the Ministerial Decision eliminates the need for this specialized university unit, simplifying the process for citizens.