Egyptian Govt. Supports Projects in ‘New Capital’ Despite COVID-19

Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)
Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)
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Egyptian Govt. Supports Projects in ‘New Capital’ Despite COVID-19

Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)
Construction machines and laborers work at the site of the future Iconic Tower skyscraper in the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, Egypt. (Reuters)

The Egyptian government supports the technological and telecommunications projects at the New Administrative Capital (NAC) east of Cairo, despite the spread of COVID-19.

Egyptian officials visited a number of projects and sites in the new capital to follow up on developments as part of the government’s plan to “coexist with the coronavirus” and resume activities.

The Health Ministry recorded 1,677 new coronavirus cases Sunday, bringing the total number of confirmed cases since the outbreak to 42,980, with 62 deaths and 421 discharged from isolation hospitals after receiving necessary medical care.

Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that construction can be completed, however, the main challenge is training employees and transfer all facilities to the new capital.

He stressed that the government transfer to the New Administrative Capital must be accompanied by the implementation of full automation of all communications between the authorities. He said all government documents and data will be electronically archived and digitized.

In April, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi postponed the launch of mega-projects, including the Grand Egyptian Museum and moving civil servants to the NAC to 2021 from 2020, due to the coronavirus outbreak

Cabinet spokesperson Nader Saad said the prime minister held a meeting to discuss developing the digital capabilities of public employees, with the aim of enhancing state performance and supporting government mechanisms.

The meeting also addressed issues of transparency and corruption, calling for increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of government institutions which will improve the quality of services provided to citizens.

In addition, Tourism Minister Khaled al-Anani toured the museum of the new capital to inspect recent work in preparation for its imminent opening.



Palestinian Officials Say Israeli Forces Killed 2 People, Including a 13-Year-Old, in the West Bank

 People attend the funeral of two Palestinians killed in an Israeli raid, in Yabad near Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, November 25, 2024. (Reuters)
People attend the funeral of two Palestinians killed in an Israeli raid, in Yabad near Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, November 25, 2024. (Reuters)
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Palestinian Officials Say Israeli Forces Killed 2 People, Including a 13-Year-Old, in the West Bank

 People attend the funeral of two Palestinians killed in an Israeli raid, in Yabad near Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, November 25, 2024. (Reuters)
People attend the funeral of two Palestinians killed in an Israeli raid, in Yabad near Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, November 25, 2024. (Reuters)

The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Monday Israeli forces killed two people, including a 13-year-old, in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli military said the two had thrown explosives at forces overnight near the Palestinian town of Yabad and that the forces had responded by opening fire.

The Health Ministry identified the two as Mohammed Hamarsheh, 13, and Ahmad Zayd, 20. It did not disclose details about the circumstances behind their deaths.

It was the latest bloodshed in the West Bank, which has faced a surge of violence throughout the 13-month war in Gaza. The Health Ministry says nearly 800 people have been killed, with more than 160 of them 18 and younger.

Many have been killed in fighting with the Israeli military, but Palestinians throwing rocks and others not involved in confrontations have also been killed. There has also been an increase in Palestinian attacks against Israelis in the West Bank since the war in Gaza began.