The maintenance of Cairo's paved streets is a heavy burden on the annual budget, costing 25% of their construction cost, a proportion higher than what is spent on roads in most European countries and India. This also prevents extensive paving of Cairo's roads with asphalt. The issue of reducing maintenance costs has been considered and is being studied.

A long time has passed since the issue of Cairo's drainage systems was under consideration. Every project submitted has been thoroughly studied and reviewed. It is regrettable to say that they have finally agreed on a satisfactory method. Once the government approves the principle on which the construction of the city's drainage systems will be based, detailed plans and cost estimates will be prepared. It is expected that the project will be put out to tender within a year.

It is certain that the cost of this project, along with the additional expenses it entails, will amount to about two million pounds. The government rightly believes that it is unfair to burden the country's taxpayers entirely with this large expenditure, which is for the benefit of Cairo's residents. Therefore, it has requested the approval of the provinces to increase the house tax in Cairo from 5% to 10%. Since the increase in revenue from this source will not exceed 5% of the total project cost, it is not fair for homeowners to object. The provinces have responded by agreeing to the increase in tax, considering it not excessive, and the Egyptian government has agreed to their request.

The Nile Bridges.

Regarding the Al-Roda bridges, the original expenditure for these bridges in 1880 was 10,000 pounds, of which 6,000 pounds have been spent to date. These bridges have withstood the required tests satisfactorily. The results of the tests will be published in February.

A contract has been awarded for the construction of the Boulak bridge, and construction will begin soon.

The Engineering Department issued 15 licenses for the operation of steam engines last year, compared to 14 requests. The necessary licenses have been granted, and their operation is permitted. As for the remaining requests, the year ended before the necessary applications were submitted.