Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam held a meeting with senior officials of the ministry to review the current and future status of coastal protection projects along Egypt's northern shores on the Mediterranean coast. The meeting also took up preparations for convening the Supreme Committee for Shore Licensing.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting reviewed the implementation status of several ongoing coastal protection projects, including Phase I of the Alexandria Coastal Protection Project, which spans 2 kilometers from Bir Masoud to El-Mahrousa, and Phase II of the project covering 600 meters in the Louran area. The latter aims to safeguard the retaining wall and Corniche road, and to restore the adjacent sandy beach. Wave breakers are being constructed in Ras El-Bar, Damietta, to safeguard low-lying and vulnerable coastal areas, while Phase II of the White Beach Coastal Protection Project in Marsa Matrouh is currently underway.
The Water Resources Ministry is preparing to initiate four new coastal protection projects, all of which have completed the tendering process. These projects include the protection of low-lying coastal areas west of Idku Port in Beheira governorate, in the Motobas region of Kafr el-Sheikh governorate, and the eastern coastal area adjacent to the villages of El-Banayen and El-Merazka in Kafr el-Sheikh governorate. Additionally, Phase II of the coastal protection works east of Ezbet El-Burj in the Tawil Abu El-Rous area, Damietta governorate, is also set to commence.
Sewilam emphasized the need for decisive action to address climate-related challenges through the implementation of tangible, on-the-ground adaptation projects, particularly those focused on coastal protection. He highlighted the importance of using environmentally sustainable, natural materials and engaging local communities to ensure the long-term viability and impact of these initiatives.
The meeting also examined the agenda items to be presented to the Supreme Committee for Shore Licensing. Sewilam reaffirmed the Irrigation Ministry's commitment to expediting the review and approval of applications submitted by investors and local stakeholders. He called for the committee to convene regularly to issue decisions on proposals that meet the required technical and environmental standards, aiming to facilitate investment, streamline the permitting process, and advance sustainable development along Egypt's coastlines.
Sewilam urged investors to submit their proposed coastal projects to the Supreme Committee in advance of any on-site implementation to ensure such developments do not adversely affect the coastal environment. He stressed the importance of providing comprehensive and accurate documentation to support a thorough technical review and enable informed, timely decision-making prior to the issuance of any final approvals.