Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities Assem El-Gazzar has announced that the first phase of the Safe Closure Project for the Salam Public Dumpsite is nearly complete, labelling it as “Egypt’s First Secure Waste Closure Project.

El-Gazzar clarified that the initial phase aims to eliminate the negative impacts of random dumpsites, rehabilitate the site, and establish infrastructure for investment in a public park and a biogas power station in the project’s second phase.

Moreover, located in Salam City, Cairo Governorate, between the Mahrousa and Rod El Obour buildings, the dumpsite spans 72 acres, containing 8.5 million tons of municipal solid waste, construction and demolition waste, and hazardous industrial waste, occupying 14.7 million cubic meters. The New Urban Communities Authority (NUCA) oversees the safe closure works to transform it into a public park to safeguard citizens’ health.

Furthermore, Waleed Abbas, Assistant Minister of Housing for NUCA Affairs, stated that preparations for the project’s second phase are underway, focusing on landscaping, planting, and site coordination to convert the area into a public park, providing a green environment, and improving air quality to enhance citizens’ well-being.

Over and above that, Ahmed Rashad, Chairman of the Obour City Development Authority, reported that the first phase completion stands at 92% and is expected to finish within two months, encompassing levelling, covering operations, and implementing necessary infrastructure for gas collection and environmentally safe incineration.

Notably, Rashad affirmed the state’s commitment to improving living standards, preserving the environment and citizens’ health, and achieving sustainable development through this project, which combines environmental concern, public health, and providing green spaces for citizen enjoyment.