Egypt's ruling Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) on Wednesday approved the construction of 4000 housing units at its own expense in Port Said, east of Cairo, as part of an effort to counter informal settlements and assist newlyweds in finding apartments.
Independent daily Al-Tahrir quoted Port Said's military governor, Adel al-Gahdban, as saying that the governorate would be responsible for assigning condominiums to potential residents.
In February, residents of Port Said set fire to the governorate office and the governor's car, blocking traffic and assaulting army personnel.
Observers say the housing plan is evidence the SCAF is trying to preserve its popularity by appeasing citizens with presents and subsidized commodities.
The council has faced increasing criticism from political parties and activist groups over its performance since assuming power when former President Hosni Mubarak resigned in February.
Various political powers have called for a mass protest Friday to pressure the military council in halting military trials for civilians and announce a clear timetable for transferring power to a civilian government.
