Transport Minister responds to criticism over Menoufia accident
In an interview with TeN TV on Sunday, he said, 'Whoever attacks, attack. I am happy with their attacks. There is no problem at all. It gives us a chance to respond and explain to our people.'
Wazir indicated that he coordinated with the Interior Minister to assign committees to take random samples from all road users at all checkpoints to ensure they are not using drugs.
He noted that the tests will initially apply to microbus and truck drivers.
He explained that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has ordered the development of a clear timeline for the full development of the Regional Ring Road, adding, 'People say you are spending a billion pounds on the road. No, the road will cost no less than LE50 billion to improve its efficiency and development.'
'The president directed that we develop a very tight timeline. As for those who say, 'You don't have money?' No, we do. The money comes from the toll collected on the road and will be spent on it,' he explained.
The minister affirmed his full commitment to his duties towards serving the nation, emphasizing that his ministry does not waste public funds and operates with complete transparency on road development projects.
The minister said, 'We, as the Ministry of Transport or the Roads Authority, do not spend money on nothing.'
'The Regional Ring Road was nonexistent eight years ago and cost more than LE 20 billion to build. Developing the road will cost LE50 billion at today's prices,' he explained.
Regarding the budget, the minister explained that 'The allocation for Transport Ministry from the general budget is between LE 20 and LE 40 billion, even though we need more than LE 60 billion.'
Wazir added 'Anyone who doubts the transparency of operations should bring in the largest international consultant to review our work, and I will pay his salary.'
He also called for a cost comparison, saying, 'Go and see how much a road costs in Saudi Arabia and how much it costs us.'
Wazir urged media professionals to study topics before presenting them, or to consult specialists for discussion.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
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