El-Sisi directs removal of obstacles to investments in housing, utilities, drinking water sectors

CAIRO – 18 April 2026: President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi stressed the need to remove any obstacles facing targeted investments in the housing, utilities and drinking water sectors during a meeting with state officials on Saturday.

The president reviewed the work progress in various housing and development initiatives, instructing setting clear timelines for completing ongoing projects.

Housing Units

Discussions covered the expansion of housing programs, the implementation status of projects across various governorates, and progress under the presidential “Housing for All Egyptians” initiative.

The meeting also reviewed developments in the middle- and upper-middle-income housing program, which aims to build around 220,000 units, as well as the luxury housing program targeting about 130,000 units.

Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Randa El Menshawy noted the launch of the first phase of the private sector participation program for low-income housing units, which will include the construction of 17,000 units in eight new cities.

El Menshawy gave an overview of the status of the rental unit program, which aims to provide 10,000 units in its first phase.

She reviewed developments regarding alternative housing related to the old rent law and efforts made to promote new rental and rent-to-own options.

Haya Karima

The meeting also followed up on progress in the “Decent Life” (Haya Karima) initiative.

The president stressed the importance of completing the first phase within the current year and directed that priority in the second phase be given to the establishment of wastewater treatment plants.

Development Projects

The meeting further reviewed developments in the Al-Fustat Park project, as well as projects implemented by the ministry along the North Coast and the Red Sea.

It also covered ongoing development plans for the North Coast, including delivery schedules, particularly for Marina 8, along with plans to upgrade the Marina Center, coastal protection works, and maritime works at the 24th District inlet.

Discussions also addressed progress in New Alamein City, including the construction and delivery timelines of beachfront towers and development of the Latin Quarter.

Officials also reviewed ongoing work on the International Conference and Exhibition Center in the Heritage City, a comprehensive platform for hosting international conferences, major exhibitions and events, supporting New Alamein’s position as a regional hub for economic, cultural and tourism activities.

The housing minister also presented a proposal for establishing a cultural center within the Cinema Complex in the Heritage City, along with plans for operating several buildings there.

The meeting further discussed developments in the “Great Transfiguration” project in Saint Catherine, including actual implementation rates across its various components.

Presidential Directives

El-Sisi underscored the importance of continuous and precise monitoring of project execution rates through intensified field visits to ensure the highest standards of quality.

He said this should reflect the scale of comprehensive development underway nationwide and help create an integrated urban environment that meets the needs of residents and visitors.

President's Advisor for Urban Planning Major General Amir Sayed Ahmed attended the meeting, alongside President's Advisor for Financial Affairs Lieutenant General Ahmed El-Shazly, Head of the Armed Forces Financial Affairs Authority Major General Khaled Abdullah, and Head of the Armed Forces Engineering Authority Major General Walid Aref.