Regarding the National Project for Roads…While it is possible that the planned new roads will potentially benefit the population, I think it is fairly clear that this is coincidental to the main purpose.
Like many such major infrastructure projects, the main function is to provide the private sector with lucrative business contracts paid for with public funds.
The companies that have been awarded the road contracts consist of Sisi supporters, from the military and civilian sectors, both from within the country, the UAE, and Western multinational corporations. Bechtel, for instance, is a standard partner for the Hassan Allam construction company, frequently in charge of engineering for their projects.
So the road construction project is essentially a gift to the regime’s business supporters.
It is vital for any infrastructure project, particularly something that defines public space such as roads, that it should be reviewed by an independent civic committee to ensure that there will not be detrimental consequences to any of the communities along the planned routes. Roads not only connect points on their routes, they divide the space through which they run, they impact land values, the environment, and so on.
When such a project is merely announced fully-formed, without any public input or discussion, and without any transparency to the planning process, it is wise to be skeptical about the motives, and about any expected benefit.