Minister of Transport Kamel el-Wazir underscored the crucial role of developing maintenance centres in enhancing the operational efficiency and sustainability of Egypt’s transport system.
He stressed the importance of continuous training for engineers and technicians, with regular updates on the latest technological advancements at global manufacturing plants in Egypt and Europe.
The minister made these comments during his inspection of the Mit Habish Maintenance and Repair Centre in Tanta, Gharbia governorate on Friday, which is affiliated with the Holding Company for Maritime and Land Transport.
The visit aimed to review the ongoing development work at the centre, focusing on improving operational efficiency, optimising expenses, and upgrading the transport services system.
These efforts are in line with the Transport Ministry’s broader strategy to improve assets and maximise resource utilisation across its affiliated entities.
This visit is part of the Ministry’s comprehensive plan to improve maintenance and repair services for transport fleets managed by various companies, reduce dependency on external service providers, and cut operational costs by leveraging local technical expertise.
During the visit, Wazir was briefed on the centre’s capacity, which spans approximately 46,000 square metres and houses main and secondary workshops, spare parts stores, administrative offices, and a dedicated training centre.
He was shown the recent upgrades, including improvements to electrical networks, distribution panels, and lighting systems in the workshops, as well as the renovation of air and electrical systems in the paint oven.
The centre also acquired new equipment for departments such as carpentry and enhanced the working environment within the workshops.
The minister also reviewed the Holding Company’s plan to optimise available resources.
This includes coordinating with bus manufacturers to establish maintenance hubs within the centre that rely on the technical workforce to transfer expertise, enhance operational capacity, and provide maintenance services to external clients. These clients include transport companies, tourism firms, and government institutions.
The goal is to generate increased financial returns from existing assets, turning the centre into a specialised hub for comprehensive maintenance services.
Wazir was also briefed on the maintenance programs already in place, such as technical inspections and repairs of buses from transport companies, which have contributed to improving fleet readiness and reducing breakdowns.
He also reviewed ongoing training initiatives for engineers and technicians to further enhance their skills and capabilities, ensuring the long-term success of the technical operations.
The minister reaffirmed that maintenance centers are a critical pillar for improving and sustaining the transport system. He highlighted the importance of the Mit Habish Center in supporting the fleets of various companies with high-quality technical services.
Wazir also stressed the need to expedite the company’s efforts to expand maintenance services to external clients, contributing to increased financial resources for the Holding Company and its subsidiaries.
Looking ahead, plans for the centre include its transformation into a regional hub for heavy vehicle and bus maintenance, incorporating cutting-edge maintenance technologies and improving technical management systems to meet the fast-paced developments in the transport sector.
The minister also called for a boost in productivity, stressing that incentives would be tied to clear performance standards, in line with principles of fairness and transparency.
He also underlined the role of the procurement committee, comprising engineers, accountants, and technicians, in ensuring the optimal use of spare parts and resources.
The minister further emphasised the importance of ongoing training for engineers and technicians to maintain high technical standards and improve workforce capabilities.
In line with the restructuring efforts at the Holding Company for Maritime & Land Transport, the centre has been reorganised into an independent technical entity, operating under the company’s supervision.
This move aims to separate transport operations from maintenance and repair activities, allowing the center to develop into a specialised entity capable of providing services to all transport companies and other stakeholders within the sector.
