Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Assem El Gazzar said works are currently ongoing on nine new cities in upper Egypt, with total investments valued at EGP 11 bn, Invest-Gate reports.

The fourth-generation cities will be implemented over three phases; the first phase comprises New Toshka, New Aswan, West Assiut’s Nasser City, and West Qena, while the second phase includes New Fashn City and New Mallawi. The third phase entails the construction of New Luxor, New Nagaa Hammadi, and New Beni Mazar, according to an official statement on October 2.

The new cities are set to accommodate a population of  4.5 mn, while offering 1.4 mn job opportunities for 10% of the land plots are allocated to crafts and industrial activities. Additionally, the new cities will boast a new tourist spot, spreading over 1,050 acres across the Nile shore, El Gazzar confirmed.

“The government devotes high attention to the development of Upper Egypt governorates, aiming to meet the demand of different income segments on residential units, as well as create a better life for Upper Egypt citizens,” the housing minister was quoted as saying.