Monufiya Governor Hesham Abdel Basset has announced the suspension of two local officials due to their alleged "reluctance" to speedily implement a wastewater pumping station project.
The head of Hamoul municipality and the head of the municipal council for Menouf city have been suspended on half-pay while investigations are conducted into their performance.
The investigation revolves around allegations that the officials were not taking the necessary measures to establish a wastewater pumping station in Shubra-Baloola village in the Menouf area.
They also failed to co-ordinate properly with the drinking-water and wastewater authorities to get the project started, according to the governor.
Abdel Basset said strict measures will be taken against anyone hampers work on projects in such a way as might harm citizens and the country.
In recent years, Health Ministry officials have found evidence of pollution in the drinking water of Monufiya villages, with thousands falling ill and requiring medical treatment.
Many villages in the governorate still rely on traditional wells that easily become infected with dangerous microbes.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
