Egypt begins removal of Greater Cairo's iconic floating houses

CAIRO – 29 June 2022: The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources removed on Monday and Tuesday 15 floating houses that were located on the Nile River at Agouza and Kitkat, and four others will be dismantled on July 4.

Head of the Central Department for Nile River Protection at Greater Cairo Ayman Anwar told press Saturday that a decree has been issued to ban floating houses for they constitute a source of pollution, only allowing floating restaurants and clubs.

That is why the annual licenses of those units, whose total number is 32, did not get renewed this year, and residents were given a notice to evacuate. The official further pointed out that floating houses have been there for over 60 years, which means that their lifespan ended years ago.

The official's statements were a comment on voices opposing the move, as floating houses have always been a distinct feature of Greater Cairo with their unique designs, and used to belong to the elite since the country was a monarchy.