Electricity networks in 6 Upper Egypt villages developed amid efforts to modernize countryside

CAIRO – 29 January 2021: Authorities have successfully developed electricity networks in six villages in Upper Egypt’s Assiut governorate, as part of an initiative dubbed “Decent Life” earlier launched by the president.

Ayman Hamza, spokesperson of the Electricity Ministry, told Egypt Today that the development of these six villages came at a cost of EGP 21 million ($1.34 million).

The developed villages are Al-Aqadmah, Shaqalqeel, Al-Shanablah, Al-Ateyat, Al-Qasr, Al-Kalabat and Al-Tawabiah.

The initiative seeks to fully develop services at 4,500 needy villages in the countryside across Egypt, including developing electricity networks. It aims to improve the life conditions of over 55 million dwellers and maintain steady electricity to homes.

Minister of Planning and Economic Development Hala El-Said announced Sunday launching the electronic system supporting the "Decent Life" initiative.

The system will identify the development needs of the villages targeted in the initiative, whilst also preparing a plan for various interventions. It will additionally monitor and evaluate the impact of all efforts in development and the quality of life.

Said described the launch as an addition to the ministry’s efforts to shift towards evidence-based planning, automating the process of preparing the plan, and following up on its implementation.

The minister noted the presidential initiative’s importance for providing a dignified life for Egyptian citizens. She added that it aims to relieve the burdens of citizens in the neediest communities in the countryside and informal areas in urban areas.

"The initiative depends on the implementation of a set of service and development activities that would guarantee a decent life for that group and improve their living conditions, while improving the economic, social and environmental level of families in poor villages,” El-Said said, “It will also enable them to obtain all basic services and providing job opportunities to support the independence of citizens, and motivate them to improve the standard of living for their families and their communities.”