Egypt, AfDB sign $600,000 grant to outline study on sludge treatment

CAIRO - 26 March 2019: Investment and International Cooperation Minister Sahar Nasr and Country Manager of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Malinne Blomberg have signed a 600,000-dollar grant to be allocated for outlining a feasibility study of a project to treat sludge coming out of Abu Rawash and Zaneen wastewater plants.

The grant deal was signed Tuesday in the presence of Housing Minister Assem el Gazzar.

The project is meant to eliminate environmental problems caused by the spread of sludge and its exposure to sun rays, Gazzar said in a statement.

It will also guarantee polluted water does not reach the groundwater reservoir, the minister noted.

He added that methane gas that results from the treatment of sludge can very well be used to generate electricity to be later used in operating the plants.

Nasr, for her part, said the project aims to protect the environment and water resources, as well as reduce health risks due to pollution.

It should contribute to boosting socio-economic development and food security, she added.