[Egypt] Qattara Depression Project

[Naio90]

Ministry of Development - Private Meeting -​

The first month of the new egyptian administration was marked by optimism and the initiative from many of the newly appointed officials, both lower ranking as well as the ministers appointed by President Mando Safar. Mohamed Hegazy was the Minister of Infrastructure and Development of the Arab Republic of Egypt, and he was in charge of the administration of a multi-billion development plan that would modernize and expand Egypt's transport and industrial infrastructure. Yet, he knew that Egypt had a structural problem due to its geography and the dependence of the Nile waters in the national development, as well as regarding the social configuration and demographic distribution along the national territory. The arid and inhospitable lands of western Egypt were only scarcely populated, only along small oasis and those thousands of km of sand had no industrial or economic value for the country. There were plans however to counter that, plans that had the same scope as the Aswan Dam and the Suez Canal, two strategic projects that had changed the economy of the country and prove essential to sustain the current degree of industrial development. However, Safar's ambitious project pushed for more, and this is the point where Hegazy decided to bring up a project that was thoroughly discussed in the past, but never implemented, the Qattara Depression Project. After weeks of studying the issue and meeting with experts from different areas, the Minister would call for a final meeting with his cabinet to discuss the last details of the plan, before bringing it up to the President of the Republic. Attending officials: Min. Mohamed Hegazy Minister of Economy Secretary of Infrastructure Secretary of Environmental Affairs Secretary of Transportation Aides and assistance Board of Experts.