The government is to carry out projects worth EGP 1.5 bn in Halayeb and Shalateen, two towns spanning an area of 20,580 square meters in the south of the Red Sea governorate, Invest-Gate reports.

The projects cover the fields of housing, electricity, agriculture, water and education with the aim of achieving sustainable development in the area, according to a cabinet statement released following a meeting with Red Sea Governor Ahmed Abdullah.

First announced in 2013, the plan includes upgrading a number of schools, electricity stations and solar energy panels in Shalateen as well as finalizing the Central Shalateen Hospital. The plan also involves the revamping of existing medical units in both Halayeb and Shalateen.

“Several water network projects will also be carried out in the two towns,” Abdullah says, adding that the water projects will include the construction of solar-powered offices accompanied with residences for workers. During the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail urged for finalizing the water treatment plant project to be used in operating the Shalateen Hospital.

Halayeb and Shalateen is a disputed area between Egypt and Sudan and has been suffering from years of government neglect. The government has recently been ramping up efforts to upgrade services and move ahead with developmental projects in both areas.