195 irrigation projects accomplished within 'Decent Life'

CAIRO – 23 February 2022: The Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources issued Wednesday a press statement detailing the works it executed within "Decent Life" initiative since its launching early in 2021.

The total number of projects implemented is 195, which took place in 20 governorates at a cost of LE9.9 billion ($615.75 million).

Those consisted of the rehabilitation of 3,024 kilometers of canals; introduction of four flood protection solutions in Menya, Aswan and Giza governorates; operation of eight solar-powered groundwater pumping systems in New Valley's Farafra; installation of protection along the banks of the Nile River over 420 meters in Menya; and donation of 91 land plots spanning over a total area of 95,500 square meters in eight governorates to establish facilities.

Until December, LE103 billion were spent through the initiative on 600 projects located across 377 villages at 11 governorates. Those are in the sectors of healthcare, education, infrastructure, sports, culture, and job creation.

Head of the Central Administration of Decent Life Initiative Alaa Gad al-Karim stated in September that the development of 1,413 rural villages - out of targeted 4,500 - will be accomplished by June 30, 2022, and that the upgrade of the entire Egyptian countryside will be completed by June 30, 2024.

The budget allocated to the entire initiative is LE700 billion, and the number of beneficiaries is 58 million.

The goals of the initiative are as follows:

Rehabilitating houses, building ceilings for houses that lack them, and building residential communities in villages in need.

Connecting the houses to water supply, wastewater, natural gas, and electricity networks. 

Introducing infrastructure necessary for micro enterprises.

Providing medical services, building hospitals and healthcare units, and equipping them with the necessary devices and medical staff.

Operating medical caravans, and offering prosthetics. 

Improving the quality of schools, and nurseries, and establishing literacy classrooms.

Expanding economic empowerment, vocational training, and employment through micro, small, and medium enterprises.

Establishing industrial, and craft complexes.

Bolstering food supply chains, and providing subsidized food.