CAIRO - The task of a caretaker government is carry out routine governmental work, as well as settling citizens' urgent problems. But it should also pave the way for free parliamentary elections, a new constitution and the first free and transparent presidential elections in Egypt's modern history. The Government should eliminate any obstacle hindering this. It should restore security, change the leadership in institutions working against the goals of the revolution, ensure the poor have enough food and encourage foreigners to invest here. The mission is a hard one and requires more than just placebos. Though it is a caretaker government, it should consider setting up some giant projects to boost the ailing economy. Some parties are against this and believe that such projects should be delayed till the completion of the political process. Now is not the time to delay. The Government must take the initiative and find some non-traditional solutions to the country's chronic economic problems. Giant projects like the Zoweil City for Technology and Science, Farouq el-Baz's development corridor and even developing the Suez Canal ought to be considered. Such projects would not only boost international confidence in Egypt's economy, but also more importantly, offer hope to the poor. We can't wait to rebuild Egypt's economy till after creation of a new political system, which is continually being hindered by the innumerable factions currently dominating the political scene.
