Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Assem El-Gazzar issued three decrees for the removal of illegal construction and encroachments in Obour City and the North West Coast, Invest-Gate reports.

The decisions target building violations established without necessary permits, including a multi-story edifice in a North West Coast tourist village. Other orders cover the unlawful seizure of a residential unit and commercial store in Obour City buildings.

El-Gazzar stressed continuing efforts with agencies to eliminate haphazard development and violations in new cities. The demolitions aim to control urbanization, maintain order, and prevent slum proliferation.

The decrees authorize Obour City and North West Coast development bodies to carry out removals with assistance from construction police and relevant security departments.

The Housing Ministry regularly issues demolition orders for illegal buildings countrywide. The state has taken a harder line on unpermitted construction in recent years to combat infrastructure strains.

Rapid population growth has exacerbated urban challenges, though new city projects aim to ease pressure on historic centers like Cairo. Strict enforcement of construction codes supports planned development.

El-Gazzar previously oversaw campaigns removing encroachments on state lands and historic sites. The recent decrees renewed focus on enforcing building regulations in priority districts like new cities.

Orderly urban growth is among El-Gazzar’s policy priorities given Egypt’s surging housing demand. The decrees signal illegal builders face heightened risks, underscoring the need for approved designs and permits.