Egypt plans to set up sewage networks in 45 villages across the country by the end of this month under an E£1.8-billion ($23 million) grant from the UAE government, said a report.

Sewage projects in 10 villages have already been completed with work on 35 others expected to be accomplished by June 30, reported the Daily News Egypt, citing the country's Housing minister Moustafa Madbouly.

The projects are being implemented in seven governorates, including four Delta governorates and three Upper Egyptian governorates, to improve sanitation services in villages and preserve health and environment, stated Madbouly.

It is part of a co-operation agreement signed in January last year between the National Authority for Drinking Water and Sanitation and the UAE government that has pledged sewage facilities for a total of 135 villages, he noted.

Egyptian companies including Arab Contractors Company, Egyptian Construction Company, Helwan Factory for Developed Industries (HFDI) and El Nasr Company for Buildings and Construction (EGYCO), are executing these projects, Madbouly was quoted as saying in the report.

The ministry plans to provide sewage services for approximately 40 per cent of villages in the country within two years, he added.