Egypt has completed about 90 per cent of the planned natural gas connections under the first phase of its Haya Karima rural development program, its petroleum minister said Tuesday. The move is part of the government's efforts to modernise energy infrastructure in villages across the country. Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly met with Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources Karim Badawy to review progress on the ministry's projects. Among the topics discussed were domestic gas distribution, regional energy cooperation, and initiatives to boost oil and gas production. Badawy also told the prime minister that the efforts are ongoing to accelerate the remaining projects to ensure timely completion. He emphasised that gas supplies to residential, commercial, and industrial users are being maintained, alongside ongoing public campaigns to promote safe usage and regular monitoring of gas networks. On the regional front, he briefed on the new memorandum of understanding Egypt signed with Lebanon on Monday to supply natural gas to the Deir Ammar Power Plant. He asserted that the agreement is part of Egypt's broader strategy to position itself as a regional hub for natural gas, receiving shipments and re-exporting them to neighbouring countries. The deal includes transferring Egyptian expertise in gas exploration, production, and distribution, and creating joint working groups between the two countries. The minister also highlighted agreements with international energy companies to develop untapped natural gas reserves and apply advanced technologies to increase output from existing fields. The meeting touched on the ministry's community development work, including efforts by Western Desert Operating Petroleum Company (WEPCO) to upgrade a school in Matrouh Governorate, which earned international EDGE certification for green buildings. Attribution: Amwal Al Ghad English
