By Faridat Salifu
The Gabal El Asfar wastewater treatment plant in Cairo is set to undergo a substantial expansion, after a €61.5 million funding injection from the European Union and Agence française de développement (AFD).
Originally established in 2005 with a daily processing capacity of 500,000 m3, the Gabal El Asfar plant, it was gathered, has evolved into one of Africa’s largest facilities, boasting a capacity of 2.5 million m3 per day following two prior expansions, the most recent in 2018.
Already, the Egyptian government has unveiled plans for a third phase of the expansion to augment the plant’s capabilities.
The funding was formalised after key stakeholders convened on March 26, 2024, to sign agreements solidifying the allocation of €61.5 million towards the project.
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Under the leadership of Egyptian Minister for International Cooperation, Rania Al-Mashat, AFD pledged €50 million in loan assistance alongside a €1.5 million grant, with an additional €10 million grant facilitated through collaborative efforts between the EU and AFD.
According to authorities, the infusion of funds is earmarked for the integration of cutting-edge technology at the Gabal El Asfar plant, empowering it to undertake advanced treatment of effluent discharged into Cairo’s drainage network.
By elevating the plant’s capacity to 3.5 million m3 per day, authorities aim to significantly expand its service coverage, catering to an estimated 17.5 million residents of Cairo by 2040, up from the current 5 million beneficiaries.
Moreover, the treated wastewater will play a pivotal role in addressing agricultural irrigation needs, mitigating the adverse effects of water scarcity in the region.
A notable aspect of the Gabal El Asfar plant’s operations is its utilization of biogas extracted from sewage sludge, with the combustion process yielding approximately 56,000 MWh of electricity annually, thereby contributing to the facility’s energy self-sufficiency.
