According to a statement by the ministry, these projects are mainly in the fields of road paving, electricity, lighting, improving the environment, security, firefighting and traffic management.

Amna asserted that the ministry’s strategy to improve the environment and confront the effects of climate change focuses on several fronts, the most important of which are sustainable development, developing solid waste management and supporting youth and community initiatives that address climate change, according to the statement.

Amna said that the ministry wants to invest EGP 34 billion to support the infrastructure needed for managing solid waste, improving air quality, and preserving the environment. Of that investment, EGP 12 billion will be allocated for landfills and waste recycling.

The ministry’s plan includes closing certain landfills, establishing sanitary burial of solid wastes and recycling and treatment lines, he said, highlighting that 45 million people will benefit from the development of waste management.

Moreover, Amna said that the ministry is committed to taking into account environmental dimensions in implementing development projects, coinciding with the country’s preparations to host the UN Conference on Climate Change (COP27) in Sharm El-Sheikh this November.

He stated that the ministry is focusing on programs related to reducing carbon emissions, stimulating green growth, supporting environmentally and socially responsible investment and maximising the value of green investments.

The ministry also seeks to adopt institutional and strategic mechanisms for confronting climate change and curbing its repercussions, he added.

He added that the Local Development Fund and Mashroak (“Your project”) programme earmarked EGP 173.5 million for promoting heritage handicrafts that has benefited 23 million people.

These programs are meant to promote the transition toward a green economy and provide financing to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by providing loans to finance micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and supporting heritage, environmental and handicrafts.

The Mashroak programme financed 172,000 projects with total investments of EGP 18.5 billion, securing one million jobs.

Mashrouak was launched by the Ministry of Local Development in 2015, in light of the political leadership’s directives to encourage young people to establish MSMEs to accelerate development and reduce the problem of unemployment.