The government of Egypt is currently undergoing the relevant feasibility studies preceding its tender offering of the Helwan treatment project for Public Private Partnership (PPP) by Q4-2013, a senior official told Zawya.
"The total cost of the first phase of the project is estimated at EGP 2.6 billion, with the scope involving the treatment of 250,000 cubic meters per day; while the second phase is set to witness increasing the plant's capacity to 500,000 cubic meters per day," said Zeinab Labib Moneir, director, Construction Authority for Potable Water & Wastewater (CAPW).
The project aims to service the Helwan area, which the largest industrial complex; consisting of 72 industrial clusters in addition to residential aggregations. The study for the project is being carried out by the African Development Bank, which will also specify the requirements of the tender.
According to earlier press statements made by Egypt's minister of drinking water and sanitation, Abdel Kawi Khalifa, the further development of Egypt's sewerage network requires investments of around EGP 80 billion (USD 11 billion), as the current network only covers 50% of the total population, leaving around 40 million inhabitants in the country deprived of a modern sewerage network.
On his part, Sayed Nasr, director of the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater in Egypt (HCWW), said, "There a substantial number of investment opportunities for investors willing to launch their endeavors in this field. The government will purchase the service from companies investing in the water and wastewater sector; and subsequently re-sell these services at a lower rate to consumers."
He noted that the coverage of sewerage networks in Egypt currently stands at 50%; with 90% of urban areas and 10% of rural areas being covered. "Of a total of 257 cities across Egypt, 200 of these are currently served by a sewerage network; and 470 villages out of a total of 4,627," said Nasr.
© Zawya 2013
