Minister Manal Awad Emphasizes Waste Management System Development in Red Sea Governorate

جانب من اللقاء.

Dr. Manal Awad, the Minister of Local Development and Environment, and Dr. Walid Al-Barqi, Governor of the Red Sea, held a comprehensive meeting during the minister’s current visit to the governorate coinciding with World Environment Day. The meeting focused on reviewing the implementation status of the waste management system, discussing current challenges, and establishing necessary procedures to enhance operational efficiency and improve environmental services for citizens. The meeting was attended by Magda Hanna, Deputy Governor, and Yasser Abdullah, Head of the Waste Management Regulatory Authority.

During the meeting, Dr. Manal Awad emphasized that the Egyptian government places significant importance on developing an integrated waste management system in the Red Sea governorate, recognizing it as one of the most important tourist and environmental regions. She stressed the need for full compliance with improving cleanliness standards in the governorate and adhering to environmental and technical requirements for operating sanitary landfills and treatment facilities to ensure environmental protection and public health while achieving sustainability in resource management.

Yasser Abdullah presented an overview of the current waste management situation in Hurghada, detailing operations related to collection, transportation, sorting, recycling, and final disposal of waste. The discussion also included necessary actions to enhance infrastructure related to the system and operate sanitary landfills according to approved environmental standards.

Abdullah also reviewed temporary collection and sorting site statuses and proposed methods for improving operational management while enhancing oversight on waste handling processes. This aims to maximize recycling rates from recoverable waste while minimizing unregulated practices.

Dr. Manal Awad directed that a comprehensive executive plan be prepared outlining technical and financial needs required for completing necessary works at waste management sites, along with clear timelines for implementation to ensure swift completion of tasks and maximize benefits from investments made by the state in this vital sector.

The Minister underscored the importance of effectively managing temporary collection and sorting sites in the governorate while ensuring compliance with environmental and health regulations. She called for expanding best practices related to recycling organic and agricultural waste to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance system efficiency.

Dr. Manal Awad also stressed the need for decisive action against any illegal or unregulated practices in waste management activities. She emphasized integrating all parties involved in the system within approved legal frameworks to enhance operational efficiency and achieve environmental sustainability.

In his remarks, Dr. Walid Al-Barqi highlighted efforts by the Red Sea governorate in overseeing and operating the waste management system. He noted ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Local Development and Environment as well as the Waste Management Regulatory Authority to continue necessary development efforts aimed at improving cleanliness levels and environmental services provided to citizens.

Dr. Al-Barqi explained that the governorate is addressing existing challenges within its waste management system while providing essential support for its efficient operation in line with national plans aimed at achieving sustainable development goals while preserving natural resources and environmental quality—especially in tourist cities requiring high cleanliness standards.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Manal Awad emphasized ongoing field monitoring of all components of the waste management system in Hurghada and Safaga within the Red Sea governorate along with continuous coordination among all relevant parties to ensure implementation of assigned tasks according to specified timelines—contributing towards enhancing quality of life for citizens while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing environment in the governorate.