In an exclusive interview with Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Development, MEO has uncovered his vision of future housing in Egypt. New projects and plans were discussed and there is a lot to look forward to. Madbouly said that the government aims at building from 6 to 8 cities before the end of 2016. These cities are to be located in Al-Alamain, East Port Said, north-west Suez gulf and Upper-Egypt.
Private sector participation
Madbouly stressed on the importance of the cooperation between the government and the private sector so the private sector could take part of the development process. The new objective of the government will be to bid lands for investors either in the proposed capital of Egypt or other cities. The cooperation of the government and private sector will come to effect starting from next September, he added.
Madbouly said that the government supports the development companies such as Heliopolis for Housing & Development and Zahraa Maadi Investment and Development (ZMID). The government is a main stakeholder in these companies.
Advertising for new cities’ lands
Madbouly stated that the government has established the proposed capital of Egypt and the board of directors has been appointed. In next September, the advertisement of new cities› lands and the proposed capital of Egypt will be launched. A new programme will be set with a timeframe to develop lands. Investors shall adhere to such a timeframe because our main reason is to develop and not to gain revenue. Lands are offered according to the companies, financial capabilities and experience. A company may acquire up to 1500 thousand acres to develop solely if it is capable of complying with the timeframe and implementation criteria.
Speeding up development & building license issuance
Madbouly asserted that the government exerts efforts to provide a large number of lands in order to speed up urban development. The main challenge that faces the ministry is bureaucracy, along with other economic constraints. We are working hard to free economy of these constraints. It is of a significant important to enable employees and push them forward to make decisions without hesitation. Moreover, in order to get rid of bureaucracy, a new plan of issuing building license from consultancy firms is being discussed with the parliament.
New Urban Communities Authority board of directors has approved a memorandum concerning cooperation with private companies to build new housing units. Lands will be allocated for these housing units and the project will aim to investment.
Clearing Slums
The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to clear slums, explaining that the government intends to implement this in two years period; this plan is set by president El-Sisi. The private sector and civil society’s roles are of great importance in clearing slums as we need the cooperation of businessmen and private firms in order to accomplish our mission. Indeed, it is everyone’s duty to help the government to get rid of slums.
