Randa El-Menshawy, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, has directed the offering of several seawater desalination plants to specialised local private-sector companies for operation and maintenance. The initiative seeks to improve operational efficiency and sustainability as part of state efforts.
Randa El-Menshawy, Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, has directed that a number of seawater desalination plants be offered to specialised local private-sector companies for operation and maintenance activities. This step forms part of the state’s efforts to improve operational efficiency and sustainability, according to a statement from the ministry. The offering targets plants with production capacities exceeding 10,000 cubic metres per day, aiming to enhance performance, strengthen maintenance systems, and leverage advanced technical expertise in desalination, within expanding public-private partnerships for infrastructure. The plants are located along Egypt’s northwestern coast in Matruh, El Alamein, and El Dabaa, as well as in South Sinai Governorate including Ras Sedr, El Tor, Dahab, Nuweiba, Abu Zenima, and Sharm El-Sheikh. It also includes the plant at Kilometer 17 in Arish and the Al-Yusr plant in Hurghada. The directive came during a periodic utilities committee meeting reviewing drinking water, wastewater, and utilities sectors, attended by Deputy Minister for Utilities Ahmed Omran and senior officials. El-Menshawy emphasised that these plants are a key pillar in diversifying water resources for coastal and tourism areas amid urban expansion. She noted private sector involvement would ensure international standards, boost efficiency, and guarantee long-term sustainability, while stressing continuous monitoring and adherence to technical and environmental standards for stable water supplies and coastal development support.