Egypt approves $200 million loan for air pollution project

Egypt approves $200 million loan for air pollution project

The Egyptian House of Representatives' Energy and Environment Committee on Tuesday approved a US$200 million loan agreement signed between Egypt and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development for the Air Pollution and Climate Change Management Project in Greater Cairo.

Comitee Chief Hossam Awadallah said that Egypt was the first location for the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development due to the strong relations both sides share, which is showcased in the promotion of developments in multiple sectors such as climate change and women empowerment projects.

The current project aims to reduce air emissions from vital sectors, as well as increase resilience to air pollution in Greater Cairo, he said.

The Adviser to the Minister of Environment for International Cooperation Tamer Abu Jarrah said that the government's plans to reduce air pollution will be done by providing Cairo with 100 buses running with electricity and its own infrastructure.

Jarrah added that studies have indicated the effects of pollution on the GDP and public health-related expenditures. The Ministry of Environment found that the most common causes of high pollution in Cairo are open waste burnings and public transport.

The project, implemented by the Ministry of Environment, covers five main points:

The Director of the Waste Management Unit