Tuesday March 19th, 2024
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World Bank Gives USD 200 Million to Combat Air Pollution and Climate Change in Greater Cairo

The World Bank will provide Egypt with USD 200 Million to go towards building a complex to manage waste – which is the biggest reason for Greater Cairo’s air pollution problem - and to acquire more energy-efficient buses.

Staff Writer

It’s no secret that Cairo doesn't have the cleanest air in the world. If looking out your window isn't enough to convince you, consider this. In 2018, Cairo was officially ranked the most polluted city in the world by the Eco Expert’s annual report. And according to studies carried out by our own Ministry of Environment’s monitoring system, one of the biggest reasons for air pollution in Cairo is open waste burning (you might recognise it by that distinct, awful smell when you’re on the mehwar, accompanied by the post-apocalyptic veneer of the black smoke rising into the atmosphere). So considering the severity of the issue on not just our planet's health, but the wellbeing of our population and our economy as well, we should certainly hope that officials have the resources they need to find a solution.

 

And so, the World Bank will provide Egypt with USD 200 million to combat Greater Cairo’s air pollution and climate change issues, through a project called ‘Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project’. The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Ministries of Environment, Health, Local Development and Transportation throughout the Cairo, Giza and Qalyubiya areas.

 

The fund will pay for an advanced complex for waste recycling, treatment and disposal will be built in 10th of Ramadan city for solid, hazardous, demolition, medical and construction waste - all over an area of 1200 acres. The fund will also increase the use of buses running on natural gas or electricity at the Public Transportation Authority. Maybe after all that, it'll be enough to freshen up that view out our windows.