Cairo: EgyPulse – News Desk
Aswan Governorate, like many others in Egypt, faces escalating urban challenges driven by rapid population growth and the presence of informal settlements lacking basic services. This necessitates innovative solutions to enhance residents’ quality of life.
In response, the first steps have been launched in Aswan for the “Capacity Building through Urban Infrastructure Development (CBUID II)” project, set to run from 2025 to 2029. This significant initiative is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ Egypt), in collaboration with the Urban Development Fund and the Ministry of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities. The project aims to improve living conditions in informal areas and elevate the quality of urban life, aligning with Egypt’s Vision 2030.
Aswan Governor Major General Ismail Kamal emphasized that the project provides a strong impetus for developing infrastructure and services in areas most in need. He noted that the cooperation with the German side reflects mutual confidence in Egypt’s ability to execute pioneering developmental projects that have a direct impact on citizens, affirming Aswan’s readiness to provide full support for the project’s rapid success.
Eng. Khaled Seddik, Chairman of the Urban Development Fund (UDF), explained that the new project will enhance the UDF’s capacity to apply best global practices in sustainable urban planning. He added that the developmental experience underway in Aswan underscores the government’s seriousness in transforming unplanned residential areas into integrated communities that ensure a dignified life for residents.
Dr. Eng. Maha Mohamed Fahim, Head of the General Organization for Physical Planning (GOPP), revealed that preparations are underway to approve Aswan’s Strategic Master Plan alongside the updating of city master plans. She stressed that urban development must be inseparable from the social and economic dimensions, noting that the project’s goals are fully integrated with the “Aswan 2040 Strategy” which lays clear foundations for sustainable development.
Eng. Ifwa Dadzie Arthur, GIZ Egypt Project Manager, highlighted that CBUID II is a successful model of the Egyptian-German partnership. It reflects both sides’ commitment to finding practical solutions for urban challenges, ensuring a qualitative leap in the lives of the most vulnerable residents.
