UAE's projects in Egypt to help 10m

Cairo - These projects reflect extent of bilateral relations, says Egyptian PM Mahlab

Published: Wed 5 Aug 2015, 12:00 AM

Updated: Thu 6 Aug 2015, 11:52 AM

By
Mustafa Al Zarooni

The UAE has signed delivery protocols for four development projects in Egypt spanning education, healthcare and transportation.
With this, the country has moved to the second phase of its social and infrastructure development programme in Egypt.
The protocols includes the delivery of 100 fully-equipped schools in 18 governorates; 78 clinics in 23 governorates; four bridges in three governorates; and 600 public city buses in Cairo. The programme is projected to benefit more than 10 million Egyptians.

Prime Minister of Egypt, Ibrahim Mahlab, witnessed the signing along with many Egyptian ministers. Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of State and Chairman of the Coordination Office of the UAE-funded Development Projects in Egypt, signed the protocols on behalf of the UAE government.
The 100 schools will have a total of 16,688 classrooms and a capacity of 67,000 students. They will create 8,000 job opportunities during the construction phase; and 3,200 permanent job opportunities. The 78 clinics will offer services to 780,000 citizens. The bridges will also account for 15 per cent of the planned bridge construction programme in Egypt.
Prime Minister Mahlab said: "Egyptians appreciate the support of the UAE leadership and its people. We will not forget its unwavering stand and contribution to the citizens of Egypt ... These projects reflect ... the breadth and depth of our bilateral relations and the strength of our decades-long historic ties."

He highlighted that the UAE social and infrastructure development projects in Egypt address "real challenges" in several vital sectors, referencing two of the previously delivered projects: The 10MW 'UAE People's Solar Power Plant in Siwa'; and 50,000 housing units delivered to the Ministry of Housing in June of this year.
Dr Al Jaber said: "I have the honour of handing over these projects to the Egyptian people. These projects have coincided with the opening of the new Suez Canal, which will contribute to the stability of the country."
malzarooni@khaleejtimes.com
(With inputs from Wam)