El-Sherbiny's remarks came during a meeting attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Head of the New Warraq Island Development Authority Osama Shawky and other officials to follow up on the executive status of the Al-Warraq Island development project.

Furthermore, El-Sherbiny highlighted the significant progress made in the eviction process in preparation for the planned development work.

He noted that the development will include constructing residential and commercial projects, establishing an integrated system of services, and completing essential infrastructure, including networks and facilities.

During the meeting, Madbouly emphasised the necessity to expedite compensation for those entitled immediately, stressing the importance of adhering to the outlined timelines for evacuating homes and lands according to the development plan.

He also instructed continuing the development projects to improve the services on Al-Warraq Island. In addition, he stressed the importance of firm action to prevent any illegal construction activities and the return of informal settlements.

Madbouly also stressed the urgency of transferring lands held by the government to the New Warraq Island Development Authority to integrate them into the overall development plan swiftly.

In 2020, the government started development work on the 1,248 feddans island, home to 90,000 people, as part of plans to develop the island.

The plan was rejected by many residents on the island, who feared that they would be forcibly evicted from their homes.

The government gave the residents several options. First, they can be financially compensated in exchange for leaving the island. Second, they can be given alternative housing outside the island. Finally, they can settle back on the island once the development plans are completed if they wish to do so.

The government has asserted that residents wouldn't be forcibly evicted and that all relocated residents would be compensated properly.