Egypt government is to embark on a new project to divert high-voltage power lines from dozens of vulnerable working-class neighbourhoods across the country.
The project is the byproduct of an agreement signed Thursday between the housing and electricity ministries to develop 45 unsafe slums located in close proximity to overhead high-voltage transmission lines, state news agency MENA said.
The areas included in the project are located in 15 governorates, including the capital Cairo.
The electricity ministry is planning to divert or bury overhead power lines underground in such areas, Deputy Minister of Electricity Osama Asraan said.
Areas at high risk would be given priority, Deputy Minister of Housing Ahmed Darwish said.
Many experts and observers, backed by repeated public complaints, have in recent years warned of residential exposure to power lines and the increased health and safety risks involved.
