CAIRO: As of June 14, Egypt's ministry of finance had processed and approved 2,344 of 7,500 applications filed for compensation for damages incurred during the revolution of January earlier this year. The ministry is offering reparations for damage to industrial, commercial, and service property as well as vehicles that were vandalized or stolen during the events of the January 25 uprising. The task force reviewing applications affirmed that cases in which the damaged property is the primary source of income for its owner, such as small shops, kiosks, work vehicles, and taxis are the top priority. Though spotty record keeping has made it difficult, at times, for the task force to establish who is the rightful owner of a given piece of property or verify the details of the claim. Ensuing investigations into the property's legal owner and registration status as well as the circumstances of the damage incurred have generally slowed down the process. Insured property will be excluded from consideration, as the owners will be able to recoup their losses from private insurance companies. The loss of cash or reparations for lost revenues are also not eligible for compensation from the government. BM
