The governorate of Helwan has begun the implementation of plans to relocate 80 polluting factories to the industrial zones of al-Kreimat, Beni Suef. In consequence of reports saying that local lakes have receded due to agricultural and industrial activities and the establishment of fish farms, the Ministry of Agriculture has finalized a plan to prevent further encroachments on these lakes and the surrounding area. Mohamed Abdel Zaher, general secretary for the governorate of Helwan, said that the first phase of the relocation is already underway. He said this phase involves closing down 13 cement production lines that have not been developed for 30 years. He added that the other cement, steel, stone, and ceramic factories will be relocated over the next eight years at a total cost of LE40 billion. The cleared land will be used for commercial, tourist and real estate projects and the newly relocated factories will also be required to use non-polluting machinery. In other news, Minister of Environment Maged George announced that the first annual report on the quality of water and deposits in the Northern Lakes has been released. George said the Northern Lakes produce 77 percent of Egypt's fish resources and are home to hundreds of thousands of migrating birds. He added that his ministry is monitoring these lakes to prevent their pollution and is also creating a comprehensive database for them. He also said that the overall number of fish produced by the Mariout Lake has dropped significantly due to pollution. Translated from the Arabic Edition !--Session data--
