Yesterday, Egypt announced plans to construct a new desert city named Jirian, located approximately 42 kilometers west of Cairo. The city is set to cover 6.8 million square meters and is part of a broader initiative to address the country’s challenges, including water shortages, power constraints, and economic pressures. To support this development, about 7% of Egypt’s annual Nile River water quota—equating to 10 million cubic meters daily—will be redirected from the fertile Nile Delta to supply both the city and an adjacent 2.28 million-acre New Delta agricultural project.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly emphasized that the project aims to enhance the value of state assets and stimulate land prices through innovative approaches. The development will feature upscale residential units, commercial zones, a marina, and a free economic zone. It is a collaborative effort between three private developers and Mostakbal Misr for Sustainable Development, a military-affiliated state agency.
While the project promises economic benefits, it has raised environmental concerns. Egypt is already facing an annual water deficit of 7 billion cubic meters, and the diversion of Nile water to support the new city and agricultural project could exacerbate this issue. Experts warn that extensive use of water for irrigation in desert areas may not be sustainable in the long term.(Reuters)
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