The Governor of Gharbia, Major General Ashraf El-Gendy, has announced the formation of a committee aimed at expediting the approval process for new construction permits. This initiative is part of the governorate's commitment to adhere to Article 2 of the Reconciliation Law concerning building violations, which aims to regulate and rectify unauthorized constructions.
During a meeting of the Local Administration Committee in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, El-Gendy addressed several inquiries raised by MP Samia Tawfiq regarding the reconciliation process. He emphasized that the governorate and all its affiliated agencies are fully compliant with the law, particularly in relation to adjustments in organizational lines and street layouts as per the plans outlined in Decree No. 1021 of 2024.
El-Gendy further elaborated on the efforts regarding agricultural land violations, stating that a committee was formed under Decree No. 551 of 2024. This committee is tasked with preparing files for nearby and scattered blocks of land, which have been submitted to the Urban Planning Authority and the Ministry of Agriculture for necessary action. The governor mentioned that the Ministry of Agriculture has approved the work on these blocks, and reconciliation efforts are currently underway, pending final confirmation from the ministry.
Additionally, the governor noted that the approval of all construction areas is being finalized by the Directorate of Surveying. The General Authority for Urban Planning is currently preparing strategic plans for the city of Mahalla and its surrounding villages. Once the approved strategic plans are received, the governorate will create detailed plans and construction requirements for the newly included areas, in accordance with the Unified Building Law.
El-Gendy also highlighted the ongoing efforts to complete the development of the Mahalla Abu Ali Corniche. This project, being executed by the Coastal Reconstruction Authority, has seen a completion rate of 85 percent, while the repaving of Al-Thawra Street has exceeded 90 percent. The governor mentioned that he has communicated with the authority multiple times to expedite the completion of these projects and address any outstanding issues.
Regarding the renovation of the Safat Trab Bridge, El-Gendy stated that the bridge is under the jurisdiction of the General Authority for Roads and Bridges. According to an engineering report, its structural condition is satisfactory but requires maintenance. The governor confirmed that 14 million Egyptian pounds have been allocated for the maintenance of several bridges, including this one, and that the procedures for this work are currently in progress.
On the issue of paving the entrance to the village of Batina in the Mahalla Center, the governor explained that a meeting was held with the local council and city officials. The meeting concluded that the area in question cannot be paved until the necessary utilities, such as water and sewage lines, are installed. He assured that once these utilities are in place, the paving can proceed. Notably, the Mahalla Center is included in the second phase of the Presidential Initiative "Decent Life," which aims to improve living conditions in rural areas.
As the governor continues to push for progress in these infrastructure projects, he remains focused on ensuring that the local administration adheres to legal frameworks while enhancing the quality of life for residents in Gharbia.
