Egypt's government unveils updates on compensations allocated to displaced Nubians

CAIRO – 13 April 2022: The Cabinet indicated in a statement Wednesday that the number of Nubians who got displaced because of the construction of the Aswan High Dam in the last century, and who applied on compensations, proving eligibility, has amounted to 4,144 individuals.

The national committee in charge of designating beneficiaries and disbursing funds to them had opened application twice. The first was between June 25, 2019 and August 20, 2019, while the other was between January 17, 2021 and April 30, 2021.

In a meeting with Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli Tuesday, Justice Alaa Fouad, minister of legal and parliamentary affairs and head of the committee, stated that compensations have been paid to 3,238 beneficiaries.

The disbursement to the rest (906), whether those, who are still in Aswan, or others, who moved to Greater Cairo and Alexandria, is underway. As for the number of those who applied but failed to present documents proving their eligibility, it is 2,992. Nevertheless, they will not be left out, as the committee will grant them compensations in a later stage.

It is noted that Aswan was subject to a natural disaster in November as thundershowers hit the governorate forcing scorpions out of their nests, and destroying houses.

Scorpions stung 503 citizens – killing three - living near the mountainous areas, while 2,000 families fled their homes. In response, the government has pledged LE2,000 to each unfortunate family in addition to LE250 per individual.

Moreover, Aswan's municipal authority screened buildings to determine those in need of restoration, and others that were at risk of collapse. However, damaged buildings that are part of slum areas would not be rebuilt so that residents would be given alternative housing units.

In the same week, the aid caravan generated by Long Live Egypt Fund and Orman Charity Association arrived in Aswan reaching 14 villages, that are Abou El Rish North, Abou El Rish South, Khour Awada, El Shebeka, Salwa South, Ebrim, Al Shalal, Western Aswan, Aaqab, El Seil El Reify, Al Hakroub, El Gezira, Kima, Geziret Heisa, and Al Kobaneya.

The aid consisted of 49 tons of food, 2,000 mattresses, 2,000 carpets, 2,000 blankets, 2,000 quilts, and 110 beds.