Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, Hisham el-Leithy, has conducted an inspection tour of the Saqqara, Abusir and Mit Rahina archaeological sites, as part of ongoing efforts to follow up on restoration works and development projects across key heritage areas.
The tour included main site entrances, new museum storage facilities, the work of foreign archaeological missions, as well as the open-air museum in Mit Rahina, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said in a statement on Wednesday.
During the tour, el-Leithy stated that the visit falls within his regular inspection programme, in line with directives of Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy, and the ministry’s strategy to enhance the efficiency of archaeological sites, strengthen their cultural value, and improve the visitor experience in accordance with their status as World Heritage sites.
During the Saqqara visit, he stressed the importance of upgrading infrastructure and visitor pathways, establishing a comprehensive visitor centre at the new entrance, and accelerating development works, particularly lighting systems and electronic surveillance through the installation of security cameras and maintenance programmes.
He also directed the expedited transfer of artefacts from old storage facilities to the newly completed museum storage units, according to a set timetable, ensuring preservation and security in line with international standards.
The tour included inspections of restoration works at the tombs of Ptahhotep and Akhethotep carried out by the Czech mission, as well as excavation activities by Cairo University’s Faculty of Archaeology mission, and the University of Tübingen mission south of the Pyramid of Unas, in addition to the Serapeum area.
At Mit Rahina open-air museum, el-Leithy reviewed displayed artefacts, including the colossal statue of King Ramses II, and instructed the preparation of a comprehensive development plan covering modernised displays, improved visitor services, and updated signage.
He also called for the completion of the new storage facility by the end of April and the subsequent transfer of artefacts according to a defined schedule.
