In Egypt, around 700 bridges out of total 1706 nationwide are on the brink of collapse, said an official from the state’s road and bridges authority.

During the second day of Builders of Egypt 2014 Forum, Saad Al Goyoushi – Chairman of General Authority for Roads, Bridges and Land Transport (GARBLT) – said Egypt’s total road network runs for 60.000 km, of which 24.000 km only are under the authority’s supervision. Two thirds of Egypt’s road network is under the supervision of municipalities, he noted.

“75% of Egypt’s roads need urgent maintenance as they are prune to collapse.” Al Goyoushi stated

The Egyptian official pointed out that the GARBLT’s current strategy would focus on several axes such as enhancing the level of safety on the roads and on undertaking urgent road maintenance. For the second scheme, GARBLT plans to establish 81 units for usual and automatic road maintenance, with an estimated investment cost worth EGP 750 million approximately.

Yet, Al Goyoushi said around 40% of the country’s roads need reconstruction not just maintenance as they are on the brink of collapse. That is why GARBLT officials have recently met with Egyptian Planning Minister Ashraf Al-Araby so as to agree on canceling the implementation of new road projects so to carry out instead urgent road maintenance.