Madbouly directs the working group to complete its assignments within one month so implementation can begin.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly met yesterday evening to discuss an integrated vision for a specialist entity to manage, operate and maximize the use of Khedivial Cairo following its revival. Attendees included Local Development Minister Manal Awad, Housing Minister Sherif El-Sherbiny, Cairo Governor Ibrahim Saber, Urban Development Fund Chairman Khaled Siddiq and deputies Baher El-Shaarawy and Mostafa Abdel Wahab, Housing Minister’s technical assistant Abdel Khalek Ibrahim, and antiquities sector head Gamal Mostafa.
Madbouly highlighted strong interest in reviving the area, particularly after ministries moved to the New Administrative Capital. Other countries’ historic-area regeneration projects have used independent management bodies, prompting a similar proposal to preserve and make optimal use of Khedivial Cairo.
He instructed relevant agencies, through a working group chaired by the head of the Cabinet’s advisory body, to study the proposal and implementation mechanisms.
El-Sherbiny outlined a strategic roadmap, including an institutional framework for asset management. The proposed body would focus on attracting investment and improving the investment environment.
He reviewed international models for central-area and city management, the legislative, organizational and investment framework, implementation steps and financial analysis of proposed uses.
The roadmap also includes a Historic Cairo tourism strategy, city marketing, market and demand studies for different uses, and assessment of social, traffic and utility impacts.
Abdel Khalek Ibrahim reviewed work to revive architectural and urban identity, including building and shopfront facades in numerous streets and squares.
Governor Saber presented an integrated revival and reuse vision, proposed third- and fourth-phase work and the completed first two phases under National Organization for Urban Harmony requirements.
He also reviewed heritage Cairo projects, construction on vacant and derelict land to restore the urban fabric, and revival of squares and old caravanserais.
Siddiq presented photographs of completed work and updates on the handicrafts complex, Al-Hussein area revival and Rawdat Al-Sayyida 2.
Madbouly concluded by setting a maximum one-month deadline for the working group’s assignments so implementation can begin, according to the Egyptian Cabinet’s official Facebook page.
