Prime Minister Hazem al-Beblawy issued a decree on Tuesday turning the Halayeb village of the city of Shalateen on the Red Sea into a city that encompasses the villages of Abu Ramad and Ras Hedreba.
Minister of Local Development Adel Labib said the decision was based on a desire to develop the region as a part of the Egyptian territory that is inhabited by Egyptians who are keen to achieve development.
The tribal elders of the region welcomed the decision, saying that they had asked for it when Ahmed al-Meslemany, the president’s media adviser, paid them a visit last week.
Mohamed Taher Saddu, tribal elder of Abu Ramad, said the decision will speed up the development of the region and alleviate the suffering of having to travel 170 km to Shalateen to do business. He called for appointing a governor for the new city quickly.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
