Problems on hold

It is no wonder that new towns and cities in Egypt are the focus of attention and the hub of conversation of many Egyptians. These new urban communities represent the future. Whether around Cairo and Alexandria or in Upper Egypt, they showcase significant development and kindle hopes of better life. Talk frequently centres around the living conditions in these new towns, the services and facilities available there, as well as the job opportunities open to residents. Compared to the situation in the old, over-crowded and often-polluted towns of Egypt, life in the new towns appears full of hope. Because Cairo suffers more than any other Egyptian city from over-population, it now has the lion’s share of a belt of ‘satellite cities’ which were established around it for industrial, economic, residential, educational or other purposes. Al-Rihab in New Cairo, a satellite town east of Cairo, is an outstanding model of what a new town ought to be. Since its establishment a few years ago it has attracted large numbers of seekers of a cleaner environment and better services. Unlike other satellite towns, most of which look bleak in the earlier stages, Rihab was appealing right from the start since it boasted vast gardens, an efficient road network, and high quality services, all of which fulfil the needs of the upper middle class population. Moreover, Rihab is linked to Cairo with a special mass transport system, thus rendering the process of shuttling to and from the capital an affordable task in time, money, and energy. Rihab became the ideal pattern for a calm, tranquil, clean life, and its houses underwent a rapid evaluation.
This is not a publicity stint for Rihab, but I meant to give an overview of all the positive aspects of this model town before going into a serious problem which terrifies its residents. It is my opinion that the officials of Rihab will most likely hasten to correct this problem since it conflicts with all the design, planning, and effort that went into the town.
Weeks ago Rihab residents noticed the start of construction work to build an Exxon Mobil gas station on a plot of land directly adjacent to the electric transformer plant supplying the town with power. It is self evident that these two facilities side by side are extremely hazardous. Residents addressed the town officials who confirmed that a new gas station was under construction, and appeared to think nothing of the hazard. The residents thus rushed and reported the matter to the police but the work on the gas station went on uninterrupted. They contacted the Egyptian Electricity Holding Company, which sent the following letter to the head of Rihab town council:
“In light of the ongoing construction work for the erection of a gas station adjacent to the electrical transformer plant, please be informed and take all the necessary measures towards moving the gas station to some other location away from the transformer plant, to avoid the extreme hazard due to their close vicinity. The company stresses that it will bear no responsibility whatsoever for any accident or fire that may erupt due to the proximity of the gas station and the electric transformer plant.”
But even this severe, straightforward letter did not serve to halt the work. Hence Rihab residents filed a lawsuit before the Cairo Court of urgent affairs, which will be heard next Saturday. The court will surely have its say, but this does not absolve Rihab town officials of planting a time bomb in the midst of their beautiful town. I hope they do not wait to remove the hazard only upon a court order.

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