CAIRO - 5 October 2019: Egypt's Ministers of local development, investment and international cooperation, environment and transport discussed on a meeting with a mission of the World Bank under WB Country Director for Egypt Marina Wes methods combating pollution and managing solid waste project.
Minister of Local Development Mahmoud Shaarawy said that there are 3,500 buses roaming the streets of Cairo in addition to small buses that are operated with gasoline or diesel which pollute the air,
Within five years, these vehicles will be operated by natural gas to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, he said, adding that taxis will be operated by natural gas as well.
A new system will be started to manage solid waste, he added.
Meanwhile, Minister of Investment Sahar Nasr asserted the importance of the WB's support to the project of combating pollution, adding that the project aims at decreasing pollution in Cairo to improve the environmental circumstances locally and internationally.
Minister of Environment Yassmine Fouad asserted the importance of the fruitful cooperation programs between the Ministry of Environment and the WB in the issues of climate change and air pollution within the past two years.
Also, Transport Minister Kamel el Wazir said that the Ministry of Transport has a plan to decrease the emissions and protect the environment in Cairo and a number of other governorates.
The WB is keen on supporting the Egyptian strategy to limit pollution especially in Cairo and offering support to the projects that contribute to improving the living conditions of the people, Wes said.
Sat, Oct. 5, 2019
