A legacy of destruction

By Mahmoud Bakr and Khaled El-Ghamri

Mamdouh El-Zoheiri photos: Saad Faggenour

Suez was one of the areas that suffered the most from the attacks on the Canal cities in 1967. The influx of refugees, and their chaotic return after 1973, contributed to the diversity of the labour force, as most of the returnees came from various parts of the country. Yet it proved difficult, as Suez authorities soon discovered, to accommodate the influx of migrants and provide them with employment. The result was a delay in development and investment.

Eighty to 90 per cent of Suez's infrastructure was entirely destroyed in the 1973 War, and today, problems with the sewage system and garbage collection continue to plague the governorate as a whole. "After the war," recalls El-Zoheiri, "a new infrastructure was built to serve the city, which had not been prepared for such an increase in the number of inhabitants. There are also 250 sites on which the debris left by the attacks still lies. These ruins, along with the mountains of refuse, are almost a feature of Suez. Informal housing is also a problem, especially in the Al-Arba'in district, where poor planning is especially evident. Taxis, buses, trucks and minibuses park there, and 90 per cent of the governorate's markets are concentrated in the area. Half the governorate's population lives in Al-Arba'in."

The governor has asked private companies to assist in refuse removal operations, although the problem has not yet been solved. Work is underway in most of Suez's streets to fix drainpipes, install telephone lines and provide houses with potable water and natural gas. There are also plans to separate residential and commercial districts.

Traffic problems are being tackled, and an upmarket residential area is under construction in the Hawd Al-Dars area "where we plan to build villas, apartments for the upper-income and medium-income brackets. We have also planned parks for this distinguished area. We have also completed a housing scheme for young couples, of which 1,020 units will be built this year," notes El-Zoheiri. A major project targeting the area north of the Gulf of Suez is also underway.

Governorate officials hope these projects will alleviate unemployment in Suez, even taking into account the expected population increase. From 430,000 inhabitants, the number is expected to reach 650,000 10 years hence.

"With this kind of development and the increase in the number of new industrial areas," adds El-Zoheiri, "the population could reach one and a half million inhabitants."

The governor dismisses suggestions that these new industrial projects could be harmful to the environment or to tourism. "A number of studies have been conducted to investigate this matter. The Environmental Affairs Authority participated in the investigation, which showed that the northwesterly direction of the wind will bear any emissions from the factories away from tourist areas."

Some visitors have commented that Suez, despite these efforts, is a bleak and uninviting city. According to the governor, one important step can be taken to advance the cause of beautification. "My biggest achievement will be to help move the train away from the residential areas. It is ridiculous to see a train in the middle of a densely populated area. If we manage to move it outside the city, we will put an end to the many accidents it has caused. In the past 10 years alone, that train has been the cause of 238 accidents. Besides, the petroleum it carries could cause a disaster if it overturns. Now, the Ministry of Petroleum has agreed to undertake a study to lay pipelines instead of using a train to carry petrol. If we can do this, then we will be able to start beautifying the city and replanning its streets, parks and the utilities."

To mark Suez Day this year, 25 years after its fierce resistance to the Israeli attacks on the Canal, celebrations have been held and several symposia organised. The minister of petroleum will meet with those working in the petroleum sector and inaugurate a number of projects on the same day. On 26 October, the minister of higher education was set to meet with university students and lay the foundation stone for a number of new colleges. Suez may have waited for a quarter of a century, but today, 25 years on, it is being honoured for its people's courage, and may reap the fruits of its patience.

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