Minister of Planning, Economic Development, and International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, announced that the cost of the first phase of the "Haya Karima" presidential initiative for rural development reached EGP 295.5 billion.
This was highlighted in a detailed report released by the ministry, which detailed the progress of the initiative up until the end of November.
According to the report, 85.5% of the projects have been completed, with 16,812 projects carried out and 100 villages developed at an overall cost of EGP 21 billion, benefiting 1.2 million citizens.
The first phase has played a pivotal role in achieving integrated development by focusing on both infrastructure improvement and human development, with Upper Egypt receiving 68% of the total allocations.
The report revealed that the initiative has given significant attention to education, constructing and developing 15,000 classrooms, maintaining 1,300 schools, and eradicating illiteracy for 510,000 citizens. These measures have substantially reduced overcrowding in classrooms and lowered illiteracy rates, especially in Upper Egypt.
Major progress has been made in the water and sanitation sectors, including the completion of 21 wastewater treatment plants, 248 drinking water stations, and extensive extensions to household water networks. These efforts have greatly improved sanitation coverage and water access in targeted areas.
The initiative has successfully connected 506 villages to natural gas networks and expanded telecommunications infrastructure, including fiber optic cables and mobile network towers, enhancing service availability for residents.
With EGP 65 billion allocated to support small and micro enterprises, over 2.9 million citizens have accessed expanded financial services, including new bank branches, ATMs, and mobile wallet solutions.
Al-Mashat emphasized that "Haya Karima" has gained recognition on international platforms for aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring tangible results within a set timeframe.
She noted that Upper Egypt continues to receive 68% of the first phase allocations, underscoring the initiative’s commitment to bridging development gaps and reducing multidimensional poverty.
The report also highlighted the initiative’s role in contributing to national projects such as comprehensive health insurance and green village development, showcasing its transformative impact on creating a sustainable and inclusive future for rural communities in Egypt.
