Egypt's Minister of Local Development and Environment, Dr. Manal Awad, has revealed the latest developments regarding the law on settling building violations. The law, which has been under review, aims to provide relief to citizens who have built properties without proper permits. Dr. Awad explained that the current law has certain limitations, including a discrepancy between two models, 8 and 10, used for settling building violations.
The two models have different implications for property owners. Model 10 allows citizens to pour the roof of their buildings, while model 8 does not, despite the construction of columns. Dr. Awad emphasized that the ministry is working to amend this provision to enable citizens to pour roofs. The proposed amendments will be discussed in the House of Representatives. The minister added that her ministry has submitted eight articles to amend the law.
One of the proposed amendments concerns the date of the aerial photograph used as a reference for settling building violations. Some MPs have argued that the settlement should not be limited to violations that appeared in the last aerial photograph taken in 2023. In contrast, others have called for an extension of this deadline. Dr. Awad also disclosed that 1.7 million citizens have so far settled their building violations under the law.
During her visit to the New Valley Governorate, Dr. Awad announced that the cave of Al-Jarah has been declared a natural reserve. This declaration raises the number of natural reserves in Egypt to 32. The minister highlighted the significance of natural reserves as an environmental wealth. She also praised the efforts of the governor of the New Valley, Dr. Hanan Majdi, in performing her duties.
The cave of Al-Jarah features ancient inscriptions at its entrance and has undergone various climatic changes, including rainfall and groundwater effects. Currently, the cave is dry. Dr. Awad pointed out that the cave has archaeological, environmental, and tourist importance. The Ministry of Environment is working to open the cave to visitors, with plans to improve access and conduct a survey of the area.
The minister also mentioned that there are indications of the possible existence of other caves in the region. A study is being conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Higher Education to identify other caves in the area. Dr. Awad emphasized that the New Valley Governorate is rich in natural reserves and caves. The cave of Al-Jarah will be open to visitors under specific controls, with warnings and procedures in place to preserve it.
In a related development, Dr. Awad announced the implementation of a large investment project in the New Valley Governorate, which aims to plant two million palm trees. So far, 600,000 palm trees have been planted. The project is expected to increase date production and enhance agricultural activity in the governorate. The minister also mentioned that several projects are being implemented in the health and sanitation sectors.
Key points
- The Egyptian government considers new amendments to building violations settlement law to provide relief to citizens who have built properties without proper permits.
- Egypt's Minister of Local Development announces the declaration of the cave of Al-Jarah as a natural reserve, raising the number of natural reserves in Egypt to 32.
- A large investment project is being implemented in the New Valley Governorate to plant two million palm trees, with 600,000 already planted.
