Alexandria – The United States and Egypt have unveiled a new groundwater lowering system at the Catacombs of Kom El-Shuqafa. This initiative aims to support Egypt's tourism industry by preserving this culturally significant site. The project was celebrated on March 3, with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Goldberger, Minister of Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Anany, and Alexandria Governor Dr. Abdul Aziz Qansua in attendance.
“This site has rich cultural significance and has the potential to attract tourists and generate revenue,” stated U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Thomas Goldberger. He added that the United States is committed to partnering with Egypt to conserve its cultural heritage and boost tourism.
The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), invested $5.7 million in collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities and the National Organization for Potable Water and Sanitary Drainage to develop this system. It is designed to protect the site from erosion and make it accessible for tourists.
Since 1995, USAID has provided $100 million to help preserve Egyptian monuments spanning from Pharaonic times to the late Ottoman period through restoration projects and training programs. These efforts aim to strengthen Egypt's economic growth by enhancing its tourism sector.
Overall, since 1978, American investments totaling $30 billion have supported Egypt's human and economic development initiatives.
For more information about USAID’s work in Egypt, visit https://www.usaid.gov/egypt or follow them on Facebook and Twitter at @USAIDEgypt.