EGYPT – France and the European Union (EU) have signed €61.5 million (US$66.53m) financing agreements to bolster the development of the Yellow River Water Treatment Plant project in Egypt.
Under the leadership of Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, the agreements mark a substantial commitment towards the project’s advancement.
Al-Mashat, alongside the French Development Agency (FDA), inked a €50 million (US$54.09m) developmental financing agreement, complemented by a €1.5 million (US$1.62m) grant.
Additionally, Al-Mashat finalized a €10 million (US$10.82m) grant agreement with the European Union, culminating in the comprehensive funding package of €61.5 million (US$66.53m).
This infusion of support will be directed towards the project’s pivotal third phase, aimed at enhancing wastewater treatment capabilities to accommodate Cairo’s burgeoning population.
Anticipated to serve 17.5 million people by 2040, this phase will revolutionize wastewater collection and treatment services, as highlighted by the ministry’s statement.
Envisioned as one of the largest water treatment facilities in Egypt, the Middle East, and Africa, the project’s significance transcends regional boundaries.
Its impact will extend to agricultural irrigation, fostering climate change adaptation, and diversifying water resources, as emphasized in the official statement.
Embracing circular economy principles, the project will convert treatment sludge into biogas, a renewable energy source projected to fuel up to 80 percent of the plant’s electricity needs.
This innovation not only underscores a commitment to sustainability but also aligns with efforts to reduce carbon emissions associated with conventional electricity sources.
Recognizing the paramount importance of the water sector in comprehensive development, the Egyptian government has prioritized the project’s implementation and expansion.
Moreover, the project’s execution will generate employment opportunities during construction and facilitate knowledge transfer in wastewater treatment, thereby bolstering expertise within the local workforce.
Anticipated outcomes include improved water quality, enhanced access to clean water, and subsequently, a positive impact on public health throughout the region.
These objectives align closely with Egypt’s sustainable development agenda, resonating with the sixth Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring universal access to clean water and sanitation.
Minister Al-Mashat underscored the project’s alignment with broader developmental goals, revealing that approximately 20 percent of the development cooperation portfolio is dedicated to similar endeavors.
Furthermore, the project forms part of the ministry’s broader efforts, which have secured $1.7 billion for sustainable water resources management, housing, and sanitation projects between 2020 and 2023.
Deputy Housing Minister Sayed Ismail emphasized the project’s pivotal role in realizing the state’s vision for water treatment and enhancing the well-being of the populace.
The commitment of France and the EU to Egypt’s strategic partnership was reiterated by the French ambassador, particularly emphasizing cooperation in water security and management.
Ambassador Christian Berger, head of the EU delegation in Egypt, emphasized the collaborative ethos underpinning the project, underscoring the shared objective of creating a healthier future for communities across Egypt while fostering environmental preservation.
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