Zabaleen in Cairo via Wikipedia
Egypt is making strides in waste management with the establishment of its first integrated waste management city in the Middle East, located in the 10th of Ramadan City.
This groundbreaking initiative, launched in February, received high-profile guests such as the Minister of Environment, Dr. Yasmin Fouad, the Minister of Local Development, and the governors of Cairo, Qalyubia, and Giza.
Situated in the Sharqia Governorate of Egypt, the 10th of Ramadan City is a first-generation urban community with a strong industrial presence. Its close proximity to Cairo makes it a key part of Greater Cairo.
Managed by a 100% Egyptian company selected from a competitive pool of 33 candidates, this project is part of the larger Cairo Air Pollution and Climate Change Management Project funded by the World Bank.
The waste management city is strategically located near important areas, just 7 kilometers from Ismailia, 12 kilometers from Badr City, and 4 kilometers south of the industrial zone in the 10th of Ramadan City.
Currently, 25% of the initial phase has been completed, focusing on building solid infrastructure, including a 9-kilometer perimeter wall with a tree-lined fence, an extensive irrigation network, two 4-kilometer roads, each 60 meters wide with two main gates, and beautifully landscaped areas with palm trees.
This project is a crucial component of the government’s efforts to address air pollution and climate change in Greater Cairo, as outlined in Presidential Decree 111 of 2021. It aims to reduce air pollutants and support Egypt’s commitment to environmental sustainability and urban development.
Pyramids from the plane, Cairo
The Zabaleen, or Christian garbage workers in Cairo, collect and sort a large amount of waste daily, recycling nearly 80% of it. Despite their successful recycling program, this community of around 70,000 Coptic Christians faces discrimination.
Cairo is not as tolerant as some may believe, with a decline in the number of synagogues and Jewish residents. The city has a history of religious and social tensions, as evident during events like the Egyptian riots in 2011.
