Cairo: Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli announced that the government is actively working to develop shanty areas across the country, focusing efforts particularly in the Cairo governorate. The announcement came during a meeting with Minister of Local Development and acting Environment Minister Manal Awad, along with Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the prime minister was briefed on various proposals aimed at upgrading the area surrounding the iconic Citadel of Salah El-Din, as well as the Zabbaleen area in Cairo’s Manshiyat Nasser district, which predominantly consists of garbage collectors. The meeting highlighted the government’s commitment to improving the living conditions in these areas.

The local development minister emphasized her active involvement in overseeing measures implemented by different governorates to upgrade slum areas, with a particular focus on Cairo Governorate. The goal, she noted, is to restore the capital’s civilized and aesthetic appearance and to eradicate any unplanned practices currently in place.

Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber provided specific data on the Manshiyat Nasser district, stating that about 100,000 residents are involved in waste sorting and collection, alongside 15,000 additional workers. He noted that Cairo generates approximately 24,000 tons of waste daily, with 8,000 tons being collected and recycled in the Zabaleen area of Manshiyat Nasser.

During the meeting, several proposals were presented to upgrade the Manshiyat Nasser area. Prime Minister Madbouli directed that a comprehensive study be conducted, covering all engineering and technical aspects, in preparation for a dedicated follow-up meeting to consider these proposals further.