CAIRO – More action is needed to remove encroachments and violations on the Nile, on waterways and on farmland nationwide, the prime minister said on Monday.
Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouli was addressing a cabinet meeting to follow up the removal of encroachments.
The premier called for coordination on a daily basis with Interior Ministry officials and the governorates to carry out plans to remove violations nationwide and take legal action against the perpetrators.
Minister of Agriculture el-Sayyed el-Qoseir and Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Aati attended the meeting.
The authorities should not allow any new violations to occur, the premier said, adding that the move is intended to protect water resources and manage them effectively in addition to protecting agricultural land.
Madbouli directed officials concerned to hold a weekly meeting under the chairmanship of the secretary general of the cabinet to follow up the encroachment removal plan.
El-Qoseir briefed the prime minister on an encroachment removal plan on arable land and action to remove violations.
In the period between January and mid-November 2021, there were 20,975 unauthorised buildings on an area of 950 feddans (acres), el-Qoseir said.
All violations must be recorded on the database prepared by the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, the premier said, adding that punitive measures will be taken against those who encroach on waterways or agricultural lands.
