Eng. Hazem El-Ashmouny, Governor of Sharkia, received Eng. Mohamed Abdel-Samie, Head of the Egyptian General Authority for Drainage Projects, to discuss avenues for joint cooperation and develop a comprehensive plan for utilizing available land resulting from the covering of irrigation and drainage canals, as well as vacant land belonging to the Irrigation and Drainage Authorities. This also includes canals, waterways, and routes that have been decommissioned, with the aim of establishing public service and development projects that benefit citizens. The governor of Sharkia began the meeting by emphasizing the governorate's keen interest in achieving optimal utilization of available land, particularly that resulting from the covering of irrigation and drainage canals. He pointed to the importance of strengthening cooperation and full coordination between the governorate, the Egyptian General Authority for Drainage Projects, and all relevant authorities and service directorates to overcome obstacles and expedite work on service and development projects, thereby serving the interests of citizens and supporting comprehensive development efforts. Optimal Utilization of Available Lands and Establishment of Service Projects During the meeting, the governor directed the formation of a joint committee from the Governorate and the Egyptian General Authority for Drainage Projects to develop a draft proposal for utilizing the land available from the drainage covering works. This proposal will identify suitable projects to be established based on the actual needs of citizens in each area, while adhering to all technical and legal requirements and specifications. He also directed the signing of a cooperation protocol between the Sharqia Governorate and the Authority, specifying the types of land use and activities proposed for implementation on these lands, in a way that serves the public interest and benefits citizens. Joint Coordination to Expedite Drainage Projects within the Governorate The meeting addressed urgent solutions to obstacles hindering some drainage projects within the governorate and accelerated their progress. This included strengthening coordination between the Authority and relevant entities to ensure rapid implementation and the achievement of the project objectives. Support for Infrastructure and Energy Projects In a related context, Governor of Sharkia coordinated with the Chairman of the Egyptian General Authority for Drainage Projects to remove obstacles between the Electricity Transmission Company and the Authority. This will contribute to expediting work on Zagazig East/Ismailia 500 kV power line project. And, at a cost exceeding one billion pounds, to support the high-voltage networks and serve the governorates of Port Said, Ismailia, and North and South Sinai, where it was agreed to start moving 13 high-voltage electricity towers erected on lands belonging to the Egyptian General Authority for Drainage Projects, after ensuring that there are no obstacles, to complete the project works in conjunction with the completion of the necessary licensing procedures, which contributes to the speedy completion of the national project.