The Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation has recently signed a financing agreement worth 61.5 million euros with the French Development Agency and the European Union to complete the Yellow Mountain water treatment plant project in Cairo. This project is aimed at enhancing climate change adaptation efforts and water projects in Egypt, representing 20% of the ongoing development cooperation portfolio with the European Union.
The agreement, signed by Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of International Cooperation, includes a development financing agreement worth 50 million euros, a grant worth 1.5 million euros, and a grant agreement between the European Union and the French Development Agency worth 10 million euros, totaling 61.5 million euros. The project will focus on the third phase of the Al-Jabal Al-Asfar water treatment plant, which serves 17.5 million people by collecting and treating wastewater.
Dr. Rania Al-Mashat emphasized the importance of the water sector in Egypt and its role in achieving comprehensive development during a press conference held after signing the financing agreement. She highlighted that this project will not only increase the station’s capacity by one million cubic meters per day but also use advanced technology and tertiary treatment for agricultural irrigation and biogas generation to provide a renewable source of energy to generate 80% of electricity needed to operate it.
The financing agreement coincides with World Water Day and is part of the joint Egyptian-European relations under the “Team Europe” initiative that aims to strengthen bilateral ties between Egypt and Europe in various sectors such as trade, investment, education, research and innovation, culture, health care, security cooperation and more. French Ambassador Eric Chevalier emphasized that this strategic partnership between Egypt and EU regarding water security is essential for ensuring sustainable development in both regions. He also expressed his commitment towards environmental conservation efforts through cooperation with Egyptian government to build a better future for all citizens living around Yellow Mountain water treatment plant project sites.
In conclusion, this new collaboration between Egypt’s ministry of international cooperation and France’s development agency along with EU is set to bring major changes in water treatment industry as well as promoting sustainable energy sources for future use through advance technology usage at Al-Jabal Al-Asfar water treatment plant serving over 17million population.
The signing ceremony was attended by various dignitaries from both countries including Ambassador Christian Berger from EU Delegation to Egypt who reiterated their commitment towards environmental conservation efforts while working together with Egyptian government towards building a brighter future for all citizens living around Yellow Mountain water treatment plant project sites.
