CAIP's efforts to clean Cairo's air are underway. Mahmoud Bakr takes a deep breath The Cairo Air Improvement Project (CAIP) has raised hopes that breathing clean air in Cairo might actually be possible. Since its launch six years ago, CAIP has succeeded in reducing the airborne lead particles produced by smelteries around the capital, and particularly in Shubra Al-Kheima, by 75 per cent. Vehicle exhaust fumes have also been brought under control. This week Prime Minister Atef Ebeid applauded CAIP's efforts. Ebeid announced that CAIP -- funded by a $60 million grant from the US Agency for International Development (USAID) -- had set up a network to monitor Cairo's airborne pollutants. The network consists of 36 stations monitoring pollutants around the clock with the latest gadgets. Specialised equipment for monitoring exhaust pollutants have also been supplied to the Giza and Qalyubia governorates. Ebeid said even more of these monitoring gadgets would be placed at petrol stations, so that the private sector would also get a chance to contribute to attempts to improve the city's air. Ebeid made these remarks after inaugurating a new centre for environmental training, education and awareness at the Cairo House in Fustat, a southern Cairo district. The ministers of environment, local government, and industry, as well as the Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia governors and USAID officials, attended the event. Environment Minister Mamdouh Riyad said that his ministry wants to see young Egyptian professionals receive training at the Cairo House to further their knowledge of environmental project implementation. Riyad said that instances of acute air pollution have dropped from 31 recorded cases in autumn 1999 to just four in autumn 2003. The largest privately owned smeltery in Cairo has reduced its harmful emissions by more than 90 per cent. Airborne lead particles are down by 65 per cent, and public transportation buses now emit 91 per cent fewer pollutants than they used to. Public transportation vehicles now undergo regular testing and maintenance to ensure that they meet environmental standards, which has resulted in a 50 per cent decrease in their pollution exhaust. CAIP Chief Consultant Zeinab Safar said 2,881 Egyptians working for CAIP had participated in some 224 courses. The training aimed to advance the technical and administrative skills needed to ensure the continuity of environmental endeavours. Safar said that since Interior Minister Habib El- Adli decided to implement 1994's Environmental Law No 4, banning the operation of vehicles failing to meet environmental standards, CAIP has provided equipment capable of monitoring the exhaust emissions of about 800,000 vehicles to 16 traffic departments. CAIP has also trained traffic staff on the implementation of environmental regulations. Safar added that CAIP focusses on reducing airborne particles and lead dust in the atmosphere via improved technology, enhanced awareness, and the enforcement of regulations. CAIP has succeeded in reducing the harmful emissions of about 1.5 million vehicles operating in the capital. Since 1997, Egyptian motorists have also been gradually switching to lead-free gasoline, she said. Aside from creating an efficient network to monitor air quality, CAIP has provided technical assistance to the Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs to ensure that data collection and analysis will continue in the future. CAIP Director David Fratt said that the project aims to give Cairo a breath of fresh air via testing programmes and the introduction of cleaner technology in industry and transportation. As part of a test phase, 50 public transportation buses now run on natural gas -- the cleanest and most environmentally friendly type of fuel -- and the number is expected to steadily increase, he said.
