The Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation has successfully resolved a crisis involving students from El-Behira's Ezbet Matouh village who were facing difficulties crossing a waterway to reach their school. According to Dr. Khaled Wasif, spokesperson for the Ministry of Irrigation, the issue arose when renovation work began on the bridge that the students and locals used to cross.
The bridge, which was in need of maintenance, was slated for replacement, prompting the Ministry to plan an alternative crossing using a nearby bridge 400 meters away. However, locals and students reverted to using the old, rickety ferry, prompting the Ministry to act quickly. The Minister directed that a safe and temporary alternative be implemented within 48 hours.
Dr. Wasif explained that a temporary and safe crossing solution was established in just 15 minutes. The solution involved setting up a makeshift ferry using four pipes and a sand area, allowing students to cross safely to the other side of the waterway, where a religious institute is located. The old ferry was completely closed and prohibited from use.
The temporary ferry was designed to be safe and functional, with the pipes laid out crosswise and a sandy area for crossing, while still allowing the waterway's flow to continue uninterrupted. This setup will be used for about a month, until the new concrete bridge is completed. The Ministry is working with large companies to execute the plan swiftly.
The new bridge is expected to be completed within four weeks, with work currently underway to meet the deadline. Dr. Wasif emphasized that the temporary solution is significantly safer than the old ferry, which he described as "terrifying" and a source of anxiety for locals.
The Ministry of Irrigation's swift response was triggered by images of the situation that circulated on social media, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Dr. Wasif stressed that the Ministry takes citizen complaints seriously and acts promptly to address them. The implemented measures aim to provide a safe passage for citizens and their children until the new bridge is finished.
The crisis resolution demonstrates the Ministry's commitment to addressing public concerns and ensuring public safety. The temporary ferry solution has provided relief to students and locals, who can now cross the waterway safely while the new bridge is being constructed.
Key points
- The Ministry of Irrigation established a temporary and safe crossing solution within 15 minutes.
- The new concrete bridge is expected to be completed within four weeks.
- The temporary solution involves a makeshift ferry with pipes and a sand area, allowing safe crossing for students and locals.
