During his participation in the eighth session of the WATREX Expo conference and exhibition for water treatment, desalination, and infrastructure, which commenced on Sunday at the Egypt Exhibition Center in the Fifth Settlement, Deputy Minister of Housing Sayed Ismail emphasized the state’s significant attention to the water issue, particularly from 2014 until the present, Invest-Gate reports.

He highlighted the transformation from previously facing major problems and working in isolation to the current state of collaboration and cooperation among different government agencies.

Ismail provided a simple comparison, stating that sewage used to cover 12% of Egyptian villages, including 4,800 villages and 28,000 hamlets, while the coverage rate for drinking water was 95%. However, as of now, sewage service has reached an average of 70%, with coverage in villages at 48% and cities at 96%. The completion of the Hayah Karima (“Decent Life”) Program aims to achieve 100% coverage.

Regarding desalination, Ismail mentioned that in 2014, the total capacity of desalinated water did not exceed 80,000 cubic meters per day. However, it has now reached one and a half million cubic meters per day. The sector has 25 projects financed by development partners from international financial institutions. Ismail also emphasized the existence of a state-developed plan for water desalination until 2050.

He expressed his satisfaction with the participation of companies at the WATREX Expo, as they seek to enhance local manufacturing and establish partnerships with foreign companies.

Ismail also acknowledged the remarkable efforts of the organizing company of WATREX Expo, which has achieved success year after year and is now hosting its eighth edition. He welcomed the presence of water and sanitation companies, various research centers, state-affiliated companies, and the Ministry of Housing at the event.

On the other hand, Doaa Abdel Hadi, Executive Director of WATREX Expo, expressed her delight with the significant government participation from various ministries and the private sector. She highlighted that this year’s exhibition features 400 exhibiting companies, including 200 Egyptian companies, as well as companies from 24 Arab and international countries. The event aims to attract over 40,000 specialized visitors in the field.