Prime Minister Kamal al-Ganzouri allocated a budget of LE175 million for the development of slum areas throughout Egypt. The budget includes LE100 million from the Slum Development Fund and LE75 million from the general budget. The work is slated begin immediately in four slum areas, and substitute housing will be provided to residents within six months. The areas include those near Sudan Street in Giza, the Menzah district in Damietta and two areas in Suez. Development of the areas will be coordinated by the Housing Ministry and the Slum Development Fund.
At a press conference following the Slum Development Committee’s meeting, held under the chairmanship of Ganzouri, Housing Minister Mohamed Fathy al-Baradei said there were 383 slum areas in Egypt, with living conditions ranging between hazardous, inappropriate or unstable due to reasons attributed to acquisition and ownership.
Baradei went on to say that housing units would be provided within a period of six months for residents living in areas with life-threatening conditions, such as those prone to floods or at risk of train-related accidents. He noted that Ganzouri approved the transfer of lands belonging to the Housing Ministry to Beni Suef and Assiut for use in establishing housing units for slum dwellers in these two governorates. He added that Ganzouri agreed to provide alternative housing in 6th of October City to replace those that collapsed on Ghazali Street in Imbaba.
Baradei also announced that a law on social housing would be passed by parliament. The law would aid a social housing program for the middle class and those with limited income.
Translated from Al-Masry Al-Youm
