Some specialists know what the importance of the new mega projects is, but many do not. Others believe that establishing new cities isn’t necessary nowadays.
Let's admit that the map of Egypt witnessed a successive proliferation of new cities to expand and foster the circle of development and urbanization outside the traditional areas of overcrowding, urban concentration and economic density.
Accordingly, Egypt has embarked on an ambitious project to build a new administrative capital, that is among the national projects adopted by the state and aims to create a modern and sustainable city with "international specifications" to accommodate future population growth and provide a hub for economic, administrative, and cultural activities.
Nevertheless, there is still numerous major questions about the priority of this project at the present time, in light of the global economic crisis accompanying with high inflation rates?,
Is the establishment of a new capital a guaranteed solution to the problems of overcrowding and traffic? Do the management systems applied in the new capital represent a different pattern in terms of strengthening participation, decentralization and empowerment?
On the same token, this article will focus on the significant aspects and potential benefits of the New administrative Capital with highlighting the major international experiences in this regard.
The approach to establish alternative capitals was not confined to a specific region or a particular country, but rather spread in developed and developing countries alike, and each country deal with it according to its different internal conditions and urban policies that are consistent with its problems and opportunities.
The reasons for building new capitals varied between solving urban problems and avoiding their aggravation - such as putting an end to the severe population concentration in major cities, traffic congestion and increased consumption of basic services such as water, electricity and sanitation - and trying to attract investments to the internal regions of the country with the aim of providing job opportunities and raising the economic level.
There are many countries that have taken the step of changing their capital; Whereas, in 1960 Brazil decided to move its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia, and in 1997 Kazakhstan moved its capital from Almaty to Astana, while Pakistan moved its capital from Karachi to Islamabad in 1963.
Other countries also moved their ancient historical capitals. To other modern cities, such as Turkey, which moved its capital from historic Istanbul to Ankara in 1923, and Nigeria, which moved its capital from Lagos to Abuja in 1991.
Moreover, Malaysia which built Putrajaya as the administrative capital of Malaysia, to alleviate the congestion and overcrowding in Kuala Lumpur. It is designed as a garden city with extensive green spaces, modern infrastructure, government buildings, and residential areas. Putrajaya serves as the administrative center of the country.
Also, there are several other countries that have undertaken similar large-scale urban development projects. Also here are a few examples:
The first example is Songdo International Business District, South Korea which is a planned city built from scratch near Incheon. It is designed as a smart and sustainable city, utilizing advanced technologies for energy management, green spaces, smart buildings, and efficient transportation systems.
King Abdullah Economic City, Saudi Arabia: that considers a mega-development project on the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia. It aims to be a hub for various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, tourism, and finance. The city incorporates modern infrastructure, residential areas, commercial districts, and recreational facilities.
These examples demonstrate that many countries have undertaken ambitious urban development projects to address various challenges and capitalize on economic opportunities. These projects often prioritize sustainable practices, smart technologies, and holistic urban planning to create modern, efficient, and livable cities for their citizens.
Thus, let me shed light on significant potential that the new administrative Capital holds for Egypt in several ways, which can be summarized in 6 aspects:
Firstly, on the economic level, it holds Economic Growth as it creates numerous job opportunities across various sectors, including construction, services, and stimulating economic growth. The establishment of government institutions, corporate headquarters, and international organizations will contribute to a flourishing business environment as well as create a vibrant economic hub, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, which leads accordingly to generating revenue and boosting the country's economy and fostering a more resilient and balanced economy.
On the other hand , it presents a distinctive sign to attract investment opportunities for local and foreign businesses. So, the favorable business environment, streamlined processes, and modern infrastructure make it an appealing destination for investors seeking to establish or expand their operations in Egypt.
Subsequently, we can refer to what the Administrative Capital for Urban Development Company indicate in august 2023, concerning the profits of the Administrative Capital which jump to 19.8 billion pounds in 2022 before tax, which corresponds to approximately 100% of the issued capital of the company
It is as a result of the sales from which the state receives 20%, in addition to the installments that the state receives from temporary usufruct projects such as gasoline stations.
On the technological level: One of the key features of the new administrative Capital is its focus on smart infrastructure and sustainability, it aims to leverage advanced technologies to create a smart city. This includes the implementation of smart grids for efficient energy management, intelligent transportation systems for seamless mobility, and digital platforms for improved service delivery and governance.
In the same context , Decongestion of Cairo and achieving Administrative efficiency is a key focus of the new capital , it aims to alleviate the overcrowding and traffic congestion experienced in Cairo , By shifting administrative functions and government institutions to the new capital, it will help relieve the strain on Cairo's infrastructure, reduce traffic congestion, and on practical level the relocation of government institutions and administrative functions to the new capital leads to streamline bureaucratic processes and improve administrative efficiency. This will facilitate better governance, faster decision-making, and smoother interactions between government entities, leading to more effective public services and a more efficient administration , Noteworthy that A total of 100 government agencies, including 30 ministries, as well as 40,000 employees have been actually relocated to the New Administrative Capital
Urban Development through Integrated Transportation Network is a major target of creating new capital which involves extensive infrastructure development, including intelligent transportation systems, residential areas, commercial districts, and public facilities. This not only creates employment opportunities during the construction phase but also enhances the overall urban development of Egypt, providing connectivity within the city and facilitate easy access to surrounding areas and enhancing the efficiency of services, including energy, water
On cultural level, the new capital Preserves heritage and promotes tourism, While the New Capital represents a vision for the future, it also recognizes the importance of preserving Egypt's cultural heritage by incorporating iconic landmarks, museums, exhibition centers. this integration of past and present will create a unique identity for the new capital and from the other side it will provide opportunities for tourism and cultural exchange, attracting both domestic and international visitors and promoting Egypt's historical and cultural treasures.
On the Environmental level, this capital places a strong emphasis on sustainability and green initiatives So, it aims to incorporate green building practices, renewable energy sources, efficient waste management systems, and green spaces. These efforts will contribute to reducing carbon emissions, conserving resources, and creating a more environmentally friendly city.
On the social level: The new capital aims to address the housing affordability challenge faced by many Egyptians. It aims to promote social integration and community development through the Constructing of affordable housing units, providing opportunities for middle-income and lower-income families to access decent and affordable housing options , sports facilities, and community spaces. This encourages social interaction, fosters a sense of belonging, and enhances the overall well-being of residents
Lastly and In light of what mentioned above , the New administrative Capital is a bold and ambitious endeavor that holds great promise for Egypt's future. With its focus on smart infrastructure, sustainability, economic growth, livability, transportation, and cultural preservation, the new capital aims to become a model city for the region. While challenges and obstacles may arise during the development process, the commitment to creating a modern and efficient administrative hub bodes well for Egypt's socio-economic progress and the well-being of its citizens.
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Monica Willian
Quelle/Source: See, 02.09.2023
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