Hundreds of residents of the village of Al-Sayala in the Damietta Governorate staged a demonstration on Wednesday night in front of the governor's office to protest what they describe as official neglect on the part of Damietta Governor Fathi al-Baradei and National Democratic Party Secretary for Damietta Abdel Rezaq Hassan.
Al-Sayala has recently been cut off from most public transport due to maintenance problems with the main road leading to the village.
Conflict between villagers and local authorities has escalated in recent days after seasonal rains washed out a makeshift dirt road built by residents. With this alternative roadway rendered impassible by car or on foot, the village has been effectively isolated from the rest of governorate.
Wednesday's demonstration began with a peaceful march from the village's main gate to the the governor's office, where protesters chanted slogans against al-Baradei and Hassan. Mounting tension moved Damietta Undersecretary Al-Khadr al-Shahawy to promise a delegation of residents that the road problems would be promptly resolved.
A number of local truck drivers, meanwhile, have declared a general strike to protest their difficult circumstances. The strike, in addition to the village's other woes, has served to paralyze Al-Sayala, which is home to 4000 citizens and over 5000 industrial workshops.
Translated from the Arabic Edition.
