Independent member of parliament Gamal Zahran has formed a bloc of opposition and independent MPs to thwart construction of a planned petrochemicals factory in Cairo’s densely-populated Mostorod district. Opponents of the project say the factory threatens to pollute the local environment and subject the public to health hazards.
A recent report issued by Ain Shams University’s scientific research center warned against building the factory in the area. The report states that the project will require some 355,000 cubic meters of water from the Ismailia canal, noting that the factory could potentially contaminate the canal and thus threaten residents with carcinogenic ailments.
Zahran accused the government of conspiring with "certain businessmen" against public interests. "I have 30 MPs with me so far," he said. "And we’ll do our best to stop the project."
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
