Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Sherif El Sherbini held a meeting to review the progress of Utility projects implemented across Egypt by affiliated bodies, including initiatives under the first phase of the presidential “Decent Life” programme for developing rural villages, Invest-Gate reports.

The meeting also addressed the status of localizing the production of project components.

Officials from the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, the National Organisation for Potable Water and Sanitary Drainage, the Egyptian Water Regulatory Agency, and the Construction Authority for Potable Water and Wastewater attended the meeting.

El Sherbini reviewed the ministry’s strategic plan for seawater desalination projects, which revolves around four pillars: addressing current and future population demands, securing alternative water sources, supporting the needs of existing plants, and meeting the water requirements of urban development plans.

The minister discussed the upcoming five-year desalination plan, which includes 23 projects across 10 governorates. He also examined the current status of operating plants, planned expansions, and proposed solutions to supply water to various governorates through new and completed desalination facilities.

El Sherbini also reviewed the progress of infrastructure projects within the “Decent Life” initiative, which are being implemented through affiliated authorities. He evaluated the operations of workshops under the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater, particularly their role in maintaining and renewing station components, equipment, and vehicles.

The meeting further discussed the use of local products in ongoing projects, in line with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi’s directives, and the supply status of necessary project components.

El Sherbini instructed the preparation of a comprehensive report on all projects, including challenges, opportunities, and required resources.