By Wael Hossam El Din

New Borg El Arab City, a prominent first-generation urban center currently in the construction phase within Alexandria Governorate, is making substantial progress in its development. Situated close to the North Coast and merely 8 kilometers from the bustling coastal road, the city boasts a strategic location near well-frequented tourist destinations and the rapidly emerging New Alamein City.

This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the recent advancements and notable transformations occurring within New Borg El Arab City.

Presidential Initiative: Housing for All Egyptian

As part of the government’s effort to enhance new cities in Egypt, President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi initiated the Housing for All Egyptians presidential plan and its work continues.

According to the official Housing Ministry page, on August 11, 2023, Assem El-Gazzar, Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, announced the commencement of the construction of 333 residential buildings as part of the presidential initiative in New Borg El Arab City. The project aims to provide 8,000 housing units, each covering an area of 90 sqm. The New Urban Communities Authority oversees the implementation of the project.

Accordingly, El-Gazzar further announced that construction work would commence on August 22, 2023, and continue for two months.

Meanwhile, El Sayed Hammam, Head of the New Borg El Arab City Development Authority, stated in a press release that the first coordination meeting was held with the responsible companies executing the initiative. The meeting emphasized the importance of adhering to the designated timelines and meeting all quality standards required for the project.

The development of New Borg El Arab City, along with the implementation of such an initiative, is set to provide affordable housing options for low-income individuals. This project reflects the government’s commitment to addressing the housing needs of its citizens and promoting inclusive urban development

Infrastructure Updates

El-Gazzar himself oversaw the infrastructural development and enhancement of New Borg El Arab City. According to an official statement, he emphasized the need to expedite the ongoing projects in the city, particularly those related to utilities, roads, and electricity.

Hammam stated that infrastructure projects worth EGP 1.6 bn are currently being implemented in the city. These projects encompass various sectors, including utilities, roads, electricity, agriculture, and periodic maintenance.

Regarding the utility sector, the ongoing projects include expanding the sewage lifting station to complete the separation of industrial sewage from domestic sewage and improve the efficiency of the industrial sewage lifting system in the city.

Additionally, the first phase of the green landscape irrigation network, which involves utilizing treated sewage water, is being executed in residential districts 7, 3, 2, and 1. This also involves the construction of a transmission line from the lifting station to the areas requiring irrigation and the internal utility network (drinking water, sewage, road infrastructure) for the rest of the first neighborhood in the fifth residential district.

Regarding road infrastructure, development, and expansion work is underway on the Hassan Allam Road, which connects the entrance of New Borg El Arab City to the North Coast Road, spanning a length of 8 km.

The aim is to improve the city’s western entrance and connect it to the North Coast Road and the development axis. The second phase of roadworks is being carried out in the fifth industrial zone, along with the development and expansion of the road link leading to the city entrance from the Kafouri Road, covering a length of 3.5 km, including a bridge over the railway and two surface bridges over the Bahig Canal in Borg El Arab.

These efforts aim to expand and enhance the main entrance and alleviate congestion at the railway intersection. Repairs from gas connections in the eighth and ninth residential districts are also being carried out

Regarding electricity infrastructure, the work being done includes the electricity network for the first, second, third, and fourth neighborhoods in the sixth residential district. In addition, dedicated electricity networks are being developed for associations, organizations, and companies in the eighth residential district (national housing) and for 890 plots of land in the first neighborhood of the eighth residential district.

Furthermore, electricity networks for 370 plots of land in the fourth neighborhood of the fifth residential district and street lighting on main roads in the eastern part of the city are being completed. The central axis electricity network is being extended to provide power supply to the service lands in the central axis area.

In the same context, the fifth neighborhood in the sixth residential district is receiving attention for electricity network implementation and installation of lighting poles for the development and expansion project of the Hassan Allam Road axis.

Road Updates

Ahmed Emran, Assistant Vice President of the Authority for Development and Urban Development Sector, inspected the progress of projects currently underway in New Borg El Arab City. One of the significant projects is the road spanning a length of 8.5 km, including industrial works and a supporting structure being executed by a specialized construction company, according to an official statement.

The road is expanding to have seven traffic lanes in each direction, with high-mast lighting poles installed and the central median planted with fruitful trees. This project is considered one of the most important ongoing projects as it connects the city to the national road network being built in the region. It links the city to the extensions of the development axis and the coastal international road.

Emran emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives of El-Gazzar to complete the projects within the scheduled timelines and ensure all work is done according to the required standards and technical specifications.

Optimistic Outlook

Looking ahead, the comprehensive infrastructure overhaul in New Borg El Arab City sets a positive trajectory for its future. The city’s strategic location near popular tourist resorts and emerging urban centers like New Alamein City positions it as a promising destination for individuals seeking modern amenities, affordable housing, and high quality of life.

The continued commitment to infrastructure development demonstrates the government’s dedication to creating sustainable and thriving communities.

Overall, the infrastructure overhaul in New Borg El Arab City is a transformative endeavor that will contribute to the city’s growth, livability, and attractiveness. The ongoing projects and positive outlook indicate a promising future for the city, both in terms of its development and its ability to meet the needs and aspirations of its residents and visitors.