The Egyptian government is working on sewage projects in 818 villages that will be finalized 2018, according to Mostafa Madbouly Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, reported Invest-Gate.

The projects are expected to raise Egypt’s sewage availability in villages to a 32.5% coverage rate by 2018, compared to the current rate of  15.3%. This is expected to be further boosted to 50% within 24-30 additional months.

A total of 32 water stations are expected to be constructed for 187 villages, while 34 stations will be expanded to serve 250 villages, and 17 water plant treatment stations will be constructed to serve 51 villages. Another nine water treatment plant will be built for 57 villages to provide coverage in a total of 554 villages that have a total population of over 4 million citizens in the governorates of Daqahlia, Gharbeya, Menoufiya, Kafr El Sheikh, Sharqia, Beheira, Ismailia, and Qalyubia.

The private and public sectors are expected to collaborate in implementing the projects, whereby the government is expected to provide financial support.

The minister affirmed the importance of the project in meeting the demands of citizens living in these villages, alongs with developing water treatment plants that could help in agriculture and other uses.