Little impact on Egypt's contracting industry from Coronavirus so far

Harm inflicted so for on Egypt’s  contracting industry is minimal with Egyptian workers still swarming work sites and spending the usual work hours, according to vice chief executive of Talaat Mostafa Group Eng. Ahmed Afifi. 

Some projects came to a halt owing to  precautionary measures suspending air travels to Egypt. For instance, access of Chinese experts overseeing projects in the country became unlikely, hampering the progress of such projects, he maintained. 

“ Also, thorough medical examinations exercised at Egypt’s ports have delayed building materials shipments.” 

Set against tourism, foreign trade and stock exchange, contracting industry is the least affected by Coronavirus, he affirmed.

“Despite the heavy presence of workers in some  work sites, not a single Covid-19 case has been detected nationwide, whether in the New Administrative Capital, New Al-Mein City, or El-Mansoura.”    

Foods rich in vitamins and nutrients bolstering the immune system, including onions, beans, olive oil, watercress, tomatoes, cucumbers, oranges, guave,  constitute the standard diet of Egypt’s construction workers, he noted.  “This fact is quite soothing and comforting because Covid-19 targets those with weak immune system.” 

On the other hand, General Manager of Constec Eng. Ashraf Abd El-Hakam said finishing housing units became behind schedule in the absence of  some models of air-conditioners, which are imported from China and Taiwan, then assembled in Egypt or Germany. 

“ Video-conferencing may compensate for the absence of foreign experts, as some projects are conducted in partnership with chinese companies, particularly  in the NAC,” said he.