Minister Manal Awad Highlights Seven Health Landfills in Red Sea Waste Management Initiative

Dr. Manal Awad, the Minister of Local Development and Environment, visited the Red Sea Governorate on Friday to oversee the integrated solid waste management system and evaluate the progress of infrastructure projects in the region.

During her visit, Dr. Awad emphasized that the development of the waste management system is under continuous monitoring by the Prime Minister as part of the new operational plan. She assured ongoing coordination among relevant authorities to expedite implementation rates and enhance public cleanliness, aiming to restore the aesthetic appeal of Egyptian cities while meeting citizens’ satisfaction and supporting the state’s transition to a green economy.

At the start of her tour, Dr. Awad and Dr. Walid Al-Barqi, the Governor of the Red Sea, inspected a health landfill in Ras Gharib. This inspection was part of their assessment of projects aimed at developing an integrated solid waste management system in the province. They were accompanied by Magda Hanna, Deputy Governor; Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority; and General Hassan Mowafi, Secretary-General of the Governorate, along with several executive leaders and officials from the Ministry of Local Development and Environment.

During their tour, both officials received a detailed briefing on the components of the health landfill established in “Um Al-Yasr” over an area of 10 feddans (approximately 4.2 hectares), with a total investment of about 62.5 million Egyptian pounds. The facility includes a secure landfill cell, a weighbridge, an administrative building, generator rooms, fuel and water tanks, a leachate evaporation pond, and various operational setups. The site is also protected by a concrete wall to guard against flood risks.

Dr. Awad noted that this landfill is one of several key projects reflecting the government’s commitment to providing sustainable and safe solutions for waste disposal, contributing to environmental preservation and improving citizens’ quality of life. This initiative is part of a comprehensive national plan for developing waste management infrastructure through coordination among various ministries and stakeholders.

She added that this facility will provide a secure method for disposing of waste materials while helping to close illegal dumping sites and eliminate open burning practices. This will positively impact reducing harmful emissions and greenhouse gases while protecting public health and natural resources.

The minister also mentioned that upon completion of tendering processes, this landfill will be handed over to a specialized company for its management and operation according to modern environmental standards.

Dr. Awad confirmed that seven health landfills have been established across Red Sea cities including Ras Gharib, Hurghada, Safaga, Marsa Alam, Quseir, Halayeb, and Shalatin as part of enhancing integrated waste management efforts in the governorate.

In response to these developments, Governor Al-Barqi stated that this project is part of a comprehensive state strategy aimed at improving waste management systems while adhering to high environmental safety standards. He highlighted ongoing efforts to upgrade environmental infrastructure across various cities in line with Red Sea’s status as one of Egypt’s top tourist and investment destinations. He expressed gratitude to all executive bodies involved in realizing this project.