On 13 October Dr. Cyrill Jean Nunn, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany and Christian Berger, Ambassador of the European Union (EU) to Egypt, together with the Governor of Asyut Essam Saad visited the Solid Waste Management Unit in Asyut and the newly delivered waste collection fleet as part of the „National Solid Waste Management Program“ (NSWMP).

The NSWMP program aims at implementing effective policy, legislation and institutional arrangements for waste management in Egypt, coupled with the establishment of the related infrastructure. In this manner, the different projects of the NSWMP are designed to contribute to the protection of the environment and climate, the conservation of resources and the reduction of health-related hazards for the population. The program will improve solid waste management services for about 6.4 million people, including two million in Asyut.

Ambassador Dr. Nunn said on the occasion: „It is very impressive to see the tangible results of this fruitful international cooperation. Sustainable waste management is not only a key element when it comes to long-term environmental and climate-related issues, but it also has a direct positive effect on the quality of life of thousands of people. Germany is happy to contribute to this great outcome.“

„Solid waste management is a top priority for health, environmental protection and a sustainable economy. As partners and friends the EU is proud to support Egypt on this path,“ said Ambassador Berger. „I also want to express my congratulations on the occasion of the adoption of the Solid Waste law by the Parliament,“ he added.

The National Solid Waste Management Program is a joint program of the Government of Egypt, the European Union, the State Secretary for Economic Affairs of the Swiss Confederation (SECO) and the German Development Cooperation represented by the Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German Development Bank (KfW). It has a total volume of more than 68 million Euros and is composed of both technical and financial assistance.