Cairo: Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli affirmed that the state is moving forward with the implementation of projects under the presidential initiative 'Decent Life,' despite the exceptional circumstances facing the region.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the premier's remarks came during a meeting to review the executive and financial progress of the initiative's first phase, in the presence of the ministers of housing, military production and planning, and a host of respective officials. Madbouli said the projects are being implemented across 20 governorates, covering 52 districts, 333 local units, and 1,477 villages, serving around 20 million citizens in Egypt.

He stressed that the government is keen on completing the first phase as soon as possible, in line with the directives of President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to overcome obstacles and accelerate the delivery of the projects. Cabinet spokesman Mohamed el Homsani said services have been accomplished in 705 villages so far out of the targeted villages under the first phase, up from 693 villages reported late February.

The meeting also reviewed progress in infrastructure and service projects, including drinking water and sanitation networks, electricity grids, roads, as well as educational and healthcare facilities, in addition to service and agricultural complexes aiming at improving living conditions in rural areas. Madbouli underscored the need for immediately operating priority service projects that directly benefit citizens.