Central security forces face residents at the Ring Road (Photo: Al-Ahram)
Traffic flow resumed normally on Monday morning after the Cairo ring road was briefly blocked by a group of angry residents from several districts of the capital in protest at frequent water cuts.
The protesting residents left the area following promises by authorities that the problem will be resolved soon, the Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported.
Members of the police force, including the head of Giza’s Traffic Department, had arrived at the scene in order to negotiate with the angry residents of the Giza districts of Boulaq El-Dakrour, Faisal, and Saft El-Laban.
A number of Central Security Forces trucks were deployed in the area from El-Marioteya to El-Talbeya after protesting residents reportedly burnt tires.
The ring road is one of the most important motorways in the Greater Cairo area, encircling parts of Cairo and Giza. The road closure briefly paralysed traffic in the area.
Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has ordered that that the irrigation ministry and the population ministry cooperate in order to solve the water crisis in some districts in Giza "today", cabinet spokesperson Hossam Qaweesh said.
Qaweesh added that Ismail also gave orders to execute a plan to disinfect water stations in Egypt, and to carry out the continuous necessary maintenance for the stations in Egypt.
Spokesperson for the Holding Company for Water and Waste Water, Mohie El-Serafi, said in an official statement that the reason for the water problems in the Faisal district was an increase in the population and buildings in the area, putting pressure on the water supply.
El-Serafi added that they are currently working on a new water station that will begin functioning in October.
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