Egypt's Deputy Islam Kartam, a member of the House of Representatives and the presidential council of the Conservative Party, expressed deep sadness over the recent train collision in El-Ayat, Giza Governorate. The accident resulted in dozens of injuries, prompting Kartam to stress that repeated railway accidents are no longer acceptable. He emphasized that the lives of Egyptians are a trust that does not accept delay or negligence.

Kartam's statement highlighted concerns about the safety of Egypt's railway system, the efficiency of safety measures, maintenance, and oversight. He urged the government to treat these accidents as a matter of life and death for citizens, rather than just statistics in incident reports. The deputy also underscored the importance of providing necessary medical care to all injured individuals, particularly those with critical conditions.

The lawmaker pointed out that railway accidents necessitate a comprehensive review of the management of this vital facility. He advocated for a shift from reacting to crises after they occur to adopting a preventive policy that identifies risks and addresses shortcomings before they lead to accidents threatening citizens' lives. Kartam emphasized that the government's responsibility extends beyond operating public facilities to ensuring the efficiency of the operating, monitoring, and maintenance systems.

Kartam stressed that the government must take necessary measures to prevent accidents, review institutional and administrative shortcomings, and hold accountable those who fail in their duties. He called for transparent and clear investigation results, complete determination of responsibilities, and the government's presentation of a statement to the House of Representatives. This statement should include results of safety and insurance reviews on railway lines and a plan to address shortcomings.

The Conservative Party member insisted on the public's right to know the truth and hold accountable those responsible for any proven negligence. He demanded that the government provide a clear statement to the House of Representatives, detailing the outcomes of safety reviews and insurance on railway lines. This should also include a timeline for implementing corrective measures resulting from investigations into shortcomings and related responsibilities.

Kartam concluded his statement by emphasizing that protecting citizens' lives should be the top priority in managing public facilities. He noted that real development is not measured by the size of spending or the number of projects but by its ability to provide citizens with safety. The true test of any transportation system, according to Kartam, lies in its ability to transport citizens safely.

The recent train collision in El-Ayat, Giza Governorate, has reignited concerns over railway safety in Egypt. With repeated incidents, there is growing pressure on the government to address systemic issues within the railway system. Deputy Kartam's call for a government statement and comprehensive review reflects a broader demand for accountability and improved safety measures to protect citizens' lives.

Key points

  • Deputy Islam Kartam demands a government statement on recent train accidents and improved safety measures.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.