Egypt's Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab is currently visiting Upper Egypt for the first time since his appointment as head of cabinet, Al-Ahram's Arabic news website reported.
Mahlab headed on Wednesday to Assiut, Upper Egypt's largest city, to inspect its public services and a number of other projects along with the ministers of planning and development, agriculture and manpower.
Immediately upon his arrival, he visited a public school and a police station.
Mahlab also met some city residents, who told him they had filed numerous complaints related to bribery and corruption issues. The PM responded by asserting that he too has always combated corruption and will continue to do so.
During his visit, Mahlab requested the minister of housing obtain a sample of tap water for examination.
He also visited a new barrage project currently being constructed in Assiut to benefit irrigation and agriculture in Upper Egypt.
The five-year project, launched in May 2012, is part of the state's plan to modernise the infrastructure of irrigation networks, aiming to ameliorate water resources and increase renewable, clean energy.
Mahlab was asked to form a new government on 25 February after former prime minister Hazem El-Beblawi and his cabinet resigned the previous day.
