Video: Former residents of the "Cow's Stomach" slum happy with free furnished apartments in Asmarat

CAIRO – 11 May 2021: Former residents of Batn el-Baqara slum area in Old Cairo have expressed gratitude after receiving their furnished apartments in Asmarat City for free right before Eid el-fitr, expected on Thursday. 

Batn el-Baqara, which literally translates to “the cow's stomach,” is a 40-year old unplanned hazardous area from which the residents have repeatedly complained. They say the area was regularly flooded by rainwater in their own homes, while snakes and other animals and insects threatened their children.

They have now been transferred to Asmarat, a city on the outskirts of Mokattam area in Cairo, which was established to host residents of hundreds of slums that would be demolished. Their apartments are furnished and have appliances such as fridges and stoves, and the entire area has comprehensive infrastructure, green areas, and youth clubs.

Meanwhile, Old Cairo, is being renovated to represent its Islamic heritage in the manner it deserves. Fustat, once Egypt’s capital, is near Batn el-Baqara, whose land will be reclaimed and added to the renovation project.