Government, WB Egypt mission discuss fighting air pollution in Greater Cairo

With project's final consultation document finalised, Egypt's Environment Ministry prepares to establish project coordination unit, says Yasmin Fouad

Egypt's Ministers of Environment, International Cooperation, and Local Development, have participated at the concluding meeting of the World Bank's (WB) mission in Egypt that prepares for the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project.
The meeting was held to follow up on the mission's preparations for the project, which will receive $200m in funding, paving the way for the negotiation phase.
Minister of Environment Yasmin Fouad stated that, with government directives in place to accelerate Egypt's green transformation, the project is aimed to improve air quality in the Greater Cairo area. It is also aimed to mitigate the impacts of climate change across the country.
The minister mentioned that the project's final consultation document was finalised, and representatives from the Ministry of Environment will now establish a project coordination unit.
Moreover, Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat emphasised the importance of investment in such projects that will help combat climate change and environmental issues in Egypt.
The project supports the state's "green recovery" plan, besides taking preventive measures regarding air pollution and solid waste.
Referring to the close cooperation between her ministry and Ministry of Environment in this regard, Minister Al-Mashat said that this comes on the back of the direct relationship between pollution and citizen health.
She pointed out that her ministry is ready to commence negotiations with the WB regarding this significant project. She noted that all possible support will be provided to finalise the necessary procedures for the project's implementation, due to its significance in realising Egypt's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The WB mission held several meetings with Egyptian officials between 7 and 16 July, during which the project's objectives and components were discussed, in preparation for an upcoming negotiation period.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Environment, Local Development, Transportation, and Health. Also involved with the project's implementation are the governorates of Qaliubiya, Cairo, and Giza, as well as the Cairo Transportation Authority.
The project is set to enhance Egypt's ability to respond to environmental risks, whilst also strengthening community engagement on environmental issues.
Egypt also has an ongoing portfolio of 16 projects, worth $4.9bn in investments, in collaboration with the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). These projects are in the areas of social housing, health, education, social safety networks, oil, local development, sanitation, transportation, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and environment.