52 ---And the completion of the barrage construction, which was mentioned in my last report, took place in June before the flood. It is worth noting that the completion of this significant work in seven months was unprecedented in speed in the Egyptian region, and it attests to the expertise of the contractors and all those involved. Furthermore, its cost of 135,000 pounds is reasonable when compared to similar projects.

During the year, 350,000 Egyptian pounds were allocated for the completion of the project to convert the irrigation of the western basins. The expenditures for this amount were divided into two main areas: (1) The construction of a large structure in both the Mazr and Bahara barrages for the passage of drainage water from the basins whose irrigation had not yet been converted, and the general drainage water. (2) The excavation of forty kilometers, more or less, of the general drainage. Most of the entities entrusted with these works are now studying the project for the reclamation of barren lands in the northern Delta.

The minor works carried out during the year included the modification of the Qarn lock and its balancing barrages, the conversion of irrigation for the eastern basins of Giza, the construction of the irrigation headquarters in Beni Suef, the modification of the Nile's course in Assiut and the maintenance of its barrages, the completion of the Khattaba lock and its balancing barrages, and the establishment of the Talbiya station in Amiriya.

10,000 Egyptian pounds were spent in the Lower Egypt region on works solely to protect the Nile from flood damage, and approximately 137,000 Egyptian pounds for improving the drainage system.

Chapter Five Public Works "200" - Government Buildings 39 designs for new buildings were prepared, with an estimated cost of 830,000 Egyptian pounds. The funds allocated to the Buildings Department for construction and maintenance in the past year were 350,000 Egyptian pounds. However, only 154,000 Egyptian pounds were actually spent in the first ten months. One-third of this amount was for building maintenance, and the rest was for new construction, staff housing, and administrative work.