A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been agreed between Egypt and a number one UK water sector commerce affiliation to determine a framework for bilateral cooperation on water tasks for 27 governorates and the brand new cities throughout Egypt.
The collaborative settlement was signed by British Water chair Dr Mark Fletcher and Dr Sayed Ismail, deputy minister for infrastructure, the Egyptian Ministry of Housing, Utilities & City Communities at a global reception in London.
The MoU will make it simpler for the UK water business to take part within the alternatives in Egypt, and for Egyptian corporations to entry UK data and expertise.
“Egypt’s water and sanitation sector is present process an enormous transformation and we’d like the experience of British corporations,” mentioned Dr Sayed Ismail. “We’ve 40 new cities beneath growth together with a brand new capital metropolis – it is a enormous space of growth, requiring intensive water and sanitation infrastructure, applied sciences and companies.”
Ismail mentioned experience from the UK water sector and provide chain was urgently wanted to assist Egypt’s formidable modernisation plans on desalination, water reuse, sludge-to-energy retrieval, and funding in human capital.
Among the many 40 new cities is the brand new administrative capital of Egypt – which has a deliberate inhabitants of 10 million inhabitants and can characteristic inexperienced areas, and separate residential and industrial sectors. One other new metropolis – New Alamein – is among the most formidable of Egypt’s good cities, overlaying 50,000 acres and with a proposed inhabitants of three million. Styled as Egypt’s “Gate to Africa”, it is going to be made up of separate vacationer, residential, industrial and historic sectors.
“We’re significantly focused on working with British corporations on two key applied sciences – desalination and sludge-to-energy. We wish to shut the loop by producing vitality and rising water reuse whereas minimising prices,” mentioned Ismail.
Funding in desalination is vital to Egypt’s plans for a extra sustainable water future, he defined. There are plans for round 20 new desalination vegetation throughout the nation, which the Egyptian authorities plans to construct in collaboration with the personal sector.
“The River Nile is the principle supply of water – and the principle supply of life – for all Egyptians. For the time being 90% of our water is taken from there, however we have to diversify our different assets, particularly in coastal areas, the north of Egypt and the japanese borders close to the Crimson Sea. That is the place we see desalination enjoying a big position.”
Whereas endeavor such fast growth, the Egyptian authorities wish to construct the capability of the staff within the water and sanitation sector, particularly in areas like facility administration and repair supply.
“There might be lots of alternatives for the Egyptian individuals working in sanitation and water, and likewise for the UK corporations who can help this,” added Ismail.
British Water’s chair Mark Fletcher mentioned, “After many months of planning and collaboration, I’m thrilled this essential MoU has been signed. This partnership will open many extra doorways for our members, who’ve a depth of expertise and experience.
“British Water appears ahead to working intently collectively to assist ship vital transformation of water and wastewater companies in Egypt.”
This information comes as British Water is because of host its annual Home of Lords Spring Reception in London on Thursday 27 April. The occasion offers a chance for members and friends of British Water to community, harness strategic collaborative alternatives and promote their enterprise to key business figures.
