Update on the Grand Egyptian Museum

In the first field trip to the Grand Egyptian Museum, Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni inspected on Tuesday 17/7/2007 the second phase which is due to be completed by the end of this year. The phase includes setting up a power station, a monument renovation centre and a firefighting unit. The great achievements in the century's project astonished everyone especially that the 2700 workers and engineers are working in 24 hour shifts, the minister said.

This phase, which will last for 18 months, will be followed by the third phase of constructing the main building at the start of next year. At a press conference, the Minister confirmed that the museum is designed to withstand all possible dangers, whether natural (earthquakes) or man-made (wars). The museum project synchronizes with another giant project set up to facilitate the way to the museum which is located on the Cairo-Alexandria desert road, along with works on other roads leading to the location to relieve the traffic jam, the minister declared pointing out that studies are ongoing to expand the desert road.

The Minister lauded Japan's contribution in building the museum through a $ 300 million soft loan to be paid after 20 years and with a 1.5 per cent interest. According to the feasibility study, the Grand Museum will have covered its costs after 12 years of operation, the Minister said adding that Egypt has already started receiving contributions from banks and institutions to build the museum. Farouk Hosni said that the Grand Museum project is considered the most important civilization and cultural project in the new century.