Egyptian old lady, whose floating house to be removed, given alternative apartment on the Nile

CAIRO – 7 July 2022: A governmental committee has been formed to solve a problem for an 88-year-old lady, whose floating house would be removed, Al Arabyia reported on Thursday.

Ikhlas’s problem was introduced by Al Arabya correspondent in Egypt to President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi during his meeting with a group of journalists on the sidelines of the inauguration of the Adly Mansour metro station and electric train on July 3, 2022.

He said that the state appreciates all seniors, and she would be fairly compensated. The minister of justice also said that Ikhlas would be compensated as she has the right to choose any alternative apartment overlooking the Nile.

The government is removing the floating houses that were located on the Nile River at Agouza and Kitkat, as they constitute a source of pollution, only allowing floating restaurants and clubs.

In June 2022, the minister of water resources and irrigation ordered the removal of 15 floating houses.

In a press conference, Head of the Central Department for Nile River Protection at Greater Cairo Ayman Anwar said that the annual licenses of those units, whose total number is 32, did not get renewed this year because of their environmental threats, 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. They used to belong to the elite during the monarchy.