The year 1854 was marked by severe famine, exceeding anything previously experienced. The scarcity of food was particularly acute in June, July, and September. During the year, Sâba Pasha resigned from his post after serving the Egyptian government for twenty years, twenty of which were as Director of the Postal Service. It would be too lengthy to enumerate the many reforms he introduced to the postal service. However, I cannot fail to mention the great loss the Egyptian government suffered in the departure of this brilliant, enlightened administrator, who had gained renown throughout Europe and was widely experienced in postal affairs.

Despite the difficulties, revenues increased by 100,000 piasters. The severe famine caused a significant drop in the number of telegrams exchanged between Egypt and Alexandria. The number of telegrams sent by the public increased, and the salaries of postal employees became equal to those of other government employees, with rare exceptions. A new school for telegraph operators was opened in Al-Damerdash.

Ports (16) Significant progress was made last year in the construction of quays and reclamation in the port of Alexandria. A new quay was completed, and a large part of the reclamation work necessary for extending the breakwater was finished. Construction of the private quays intended for the discharge of cotton, which began in January, progressed rapidly. It is expected that they will be completed and put into use during the current year. The expansion of the quays in the inner harbor has been somewhat delayed, but a significant portion of it has been completed.

As for the extension of the breakwater to protect the outer harbor, work on it progressed as conditions allowed. 100 meters were completed from the southern end, and artificial stones were placed on the northern end. A new channel, 11 meters long, was dug to reach the port. Work on the outer channel and the sea passage began in June. The expenditure on this project reached 100,000 piasters. Ships with a deep draft can now enter the port regardless of sea conditions.