National Observatory Sets Priorities for Urban Expansion

A number of experts confirmed on the sidelines of  a session held for  discussing “the construction environment and housing indicators”, that the Egyptian National Urban Observatory plays an important role in supporting the decisions related to urban development by setting new priorities for the local market.

Mostafa Madbouly, Urban Planning and Development Authority, stated that the Egyptian National Urban Observatory launched by the Authority several years ago aims at providing decision-makers with indicators about the status of housing, utilities, environment, and services.

He also pointed out that a number of international agreements have been concluded for developing this observatory, which covers 7 economic centers in Egypt including Cairo, Aswan, Tanta, Ismailia, Minia, Assuit, and Aswan.

On his part, Monir Thabet, Country Director of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in Cairo, stated that the program has established effective partnership with urban policy  makers, in addition to holding cooperation with a number of governorates including Greater Cairo, Alexandria, and South Valley.

He expected that this observatory will lead to a gradual improvement on the local economic, social, and environmental situations.