Local Development Ministry Includes 47 Urban Areas in Planning Strategy

Dr. Manal Awad, Minister of Local Development and Environment, has approved the inclusion of 47 urban areas, comprising 45 villages and two cities, in the ministry’s upcoming detailed planning strategy. This initiative is coordinated with the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces to facilitate the commencement of studies and technical preparations necessary for creating these plans. The effort aligns with the state’s commitment to enhance urban planning and achieve balanced development across provinces, following directives from political leadership to improve citizens’ quality of life and ensure a sustainable urban environment.

This decision was reported by Dr. Saeed Helmy Abdel Khalek, Head of the Integrated Local Development and Planning Sector, during a presentation on updates regarding urban planning initiatives and the current status of detailed planning preparations in several provinces.

The report highlighted that the approval includes 34 villages in Beni Suef Governorate, six villages in Siwa and Sidi Barani centers in Matrouh Governorate, two cities—Hurghada and Halayeb—and four villages in Safaga and Qusair centers in Red Sea Governorate, along with Sayyidna Al-Khadr village in Yusuf Al-Sidik Center, Fayoum Governorate.

Dr. Manal Awad emphasized that preparing detailed plans is a crucial step toward completing the urban planning framework within provinces. These plans serve as executable documents that organize development activities, land use within cities and villages, road networks, residential areas, service zones, investment locations, and public facility sites to ensure organized and sustainable development.

She reiterated that the ministry places significant emphasis on urban planning as a fundamental pillar for achieving sustainable development across provinces. Completing detailed plans will provide a clear planning and legal framework that supports developmental efforts while enhancing local authorities’ capacity to manage urban growth effectively.

Dr. Awad added that the ministry continues to coordinate with various stakeholders to complete the national urban planning framework in line with comprehensive state development plans while balancing urban expansion with agricultural land preservation and natural resource management.

The upcoming period will see further efforts toward preparing additional detailed plans across provinces to support state initiatives aimed at building organized and sustainable communities, improving services for citizens, and creating conducive environments for investment and local development nationwide.

Moreover, Dr. Manal Awad indicated that detailed plans directly facilitate licensing procedures for citizens by providing a clear vision for future urban expansions while optimizing land use. This approach also aims to curb unplanned urban growth and encroachments on agricultural lands and state property, thereby supporting state efforts to conserve resources and maximize their utilization.

The report noted that the ministry is working to secure necessary financial and technical allocations for developing these plans according to modern planning standards while considering each area’s economic, social, and urban characteristics to ensure alignment with citizens’ needs as well as current and future development requirements.

Dr. Saeed Helmy confirmed that incorporating these areas into the upcoming work plan responds to growing developmental needs within provinces. It enhances efficiency in distributing public services and essential facilities while bolstering economic development efforts, creating a more organized urban environment capable of accommodating population growth and future expansion rates.