The meeting took place at the Ministry of Local Development
headquarters in the New Administrative Capital and was attended by Major
General Ibrahim Abdel-Hadi, Deputy Governor of Cairo for the Western District;
Ashraf Mansour, Deputy Governor of Cairo for the Southern District; Ahmed Rizk,
Country Director of UN-Habitat in Egypt; and several officials from the Ministry
of Local Development, the Cairo Governorate, and UN-Habitat.
At the beginning of the meeting, a proposal to develop the
pathways and public spaces on Al-Hamidi and Al-Tijari Streets in the commercial
district of Port Said, along with the design vision, was presented by the
project consultant, Dr. Mohamed Saleheen, Professor of Planning at the Faculty
of Engineering, Ain Shams University. The proposal includes improving
infrastructure and pathways, enhancing lighting and shading in the markets
while preserving the visual identity of the area. This development aims to
improve the experience of residents and visitors, both Egyptian and foreign,
boost the city’s economic activity, create job opportunities, support
sustainable urban development, and enhance the city’s economic and heritage
value. It is also designed to create a more civilized environment, attract
visitors, and increase purchasing power.
The Governor of Port Said reviewed the current situation on
the ground and assured full cooperation from the Governorate in implementing
the proposed development. This initiative seeks to maximize the area’s tourism
and economic potential, provide diverse marketing activities along the targeted
streets, create a seamless visitor experience, facilitate pedestrian and
vehicular movement, and preserve the architectural and heritage identity of the
area. Full coordination with business owners will ensure that the development
does not negatively affect their interests.
The meeting also included a presentation by Dr. Ibrahim
Saber, Governor of Cairo, on the second phase of the El Ataba Market
development project in the El Mosky District. This phase aims to eliminate
overcrowding, regulate vendor activities, and open pedestrian walkways for
residents and visitors. It also includes safety and security measures, such as
fire suppression systems and surveillance cameras, while restoring the
historical and architectural character of the area and reviving the heritage
and historical buildings.
Dr. Awad emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to developing
markets and local communities across the governorates. She highlighted the El
Ataba Market public space development project in Cairo Governorate, the first
phase of which has been completed with funding from the Ministry of Local
Development and was inaugurated by Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly. She
also mentioned the development of several streets in Port Said Governorate, all
contributing to improving citizens’ quality of life, providing better services,
creating sustainable job opportunities, enhancing the cultural value of
historical heritage cities, and integrating Egyptian tourist sites into a
comprehensive urban development framework.
The Minister praised the technical support provided by UN-Habitat
to the Ministry and the governorates where these projects are implemented.
These projects aim to improve infrastructure, develop commercial streets and
markets, preserve the historical and cultural identity of the cities, and
enhance tourism opportunities.
The meeting was attended by Engineer Alaa Abdel Fattah,
Assistant Minister for Planning and Urban Development; Dr. Saeed Helmy, Head of
the Strategic Management and Local Development Sector; Engineer Zizi Kamel,
Head of the Central Department for Strategic Management; the heads of Helwan
and El Mosky districts; Dr. Mohamed Saleheen, Consultant and Professor of
Planning at the Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University; Engineer Eman
Hassan and Engineer Lobna Anous, UN-Habitat officials; and Dr. Khalil Shaat,
Director of the Informal Settlements Development Department in Cairo.