In a high-level meeting held at the Ministry of Local Development headquarters in Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Acting Minister of Environment, met with Dr. Ahmed Al-Ansary, Governor of Fayoum, to review the progress of local development projects and discuss key environmental and climate adaptation strategies in the governorate.
Development Projects: A Push for Efficient Implementation and Local Economic Growth
The meeting began with a comprehensive review of the first phase of Fayoum’s 2025/2026 investment plan. The projects, spanning multiple sectors including transportation, public services, and environmental improvement, are allocated a budget of approximately EGP 124.3 million.
Dr. Awad emphasized the importance of maximizing the use of available financial resources and accelerating project implementation to ensure timely delivery and optimal service for citizens.
“We must ensure every pound spent leads to tangible benefits for the people of Fayoum,” Dr. Awad stated, calling for high standards of execution and fast-tracked project rollouts.
Governor Al-Ansary confirmed that project execution is under continuous on-ground monitoring, assuring timely completion and efficient resource utilization.
Driving Investment and Job Creation in Fayoum
The ministers also discussed Fayoum’s investment climate, highlighting the governorate’s unique competitive advantages in eco-tourism and the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. These sectors, Governor Al-Ansary noted, are drawing investor interest, particularly within the free investment zone.
Dr. Awad stressed the need to remove barriers for investors and expand existing projects to generate employment and economic growth across the region.
Firm Action Against Land Encroachments
Dr. Awad and Governor Al-Ansary also reviewed progress in the third and final phase of the 27th wave of state land recovery campaigns, which began on Saturday and runs through October 24.
The campaign targets violators who have failed to settle dues or committed new encroachments on state-owned land through construction or agriculture.
“There must be zero tolerance for illegal encroachments,” Dr. Awad said, instructing full legal action and immediate removal of violations to safeguard public property and future generations.
Governor Al-Ansary affirmed that enforcement efforts are being carried out firmly and cohesively across local authorities.
Environmental Focus: Protecting Nature Reserves and Addressing Climate Change
Environmental discussions featured prominently, especially efforts to develop Fayoum’s unique nature reserves, including Wadi El-Hitan, Wadi El-Rayan, and Lake Qarun. These areas are recognized for their ecological, geological, and cultural value, drawing both local and international tourists.
Dr. Awad emphasized the role of Wadi El-Rayan as a prime ecotourism destination due to its proximity to Cairo and its rich heritage. She highlighted the importance of community participation in managing and delivering high-quality experiences in these protected areas.
The meeting also explored Fayoum’s strategic position as a climate adaptation pilot site, given its long history of environmental shifts. Dr. Awad described it as a living example of how communities have coped with natural changes over thousands of years.
“Fayoum offers a unique setting for testing climate resilience models—balancing ecological preservation with community-based solutions,” she said.
Accelerating Land Regularization and Urban Monitoring
The meeting concluded with a review of the status of land regularization, reconciliation applications, and the spatial change monitoring system across Fayoum’s administrative centers. Dr. Awad called for intensified efforts to finalize outstanding requests swiftly and boost operational efficiency.
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