Egypt has begun construction on its first scrapyard and impoundment facility in Qalyubia Governorate, with 30 per cent of the project already completed, according to a progress report submitted to Minister of Local Development Manal Awad on Wednesday. Located in Khanka, the 210 million Egyptian pound ($4.4 million) project is being developed over 8.5 feddans and is designed to modernise how seized and end-of-life vehicles are managed. The facility will help eliminate informal scrapyards in residential areas, improve urban aesthetics, and reduce traffic congestion, Minister Awad said. She added that the project is proceeding on schedule and in line with modern environmental standards. The minister and Qalyubia Governor Ayman Atiya laid the foundation stone for the facility in March. The project is funded through the Ministry of Local Development's investment plan and is being implemented by the Military Engineers Department of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority. Designed in collaboration with Cairo University's Design Support Centre, the site will accommodate more than 1,200 vehicles and feature auction yards, scrappage areas, administrative offices, and a 700 m2 inspection zone. A 2,000 m2 auction yard, car maintenance workshops, a car wash, and a designated area for scrapping up to 1,000 vehicles are also included. A full security system will be installed, including four watchtowers, three main entrances, electrical rooms, and backup generators. Excavation, waste removal, replacement layers, and concrete foundations for key buildings have been completed. Work is ongoing on the sub-base layer in the scrappage zone. Awad described the project as a model that could be replicated across other governorates to improve traffic management, upgrade outdated scrapyards, and raise the overall quality of life for residents. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English Subediting: Y.Yasser
