Background:
Suez city is about 143 km east of Cairo divided into 5 districts (Suez, Al-Arbaeen, Ataqua, Al-Ganayen, and Feyssal). Its territory extends along the northern coasts of the Suez gulf, on the southern gate Suez Canal. The area's topography extends across the eastern desert, the Red Sea Hills and Red Sea Coastal plane.
Strong leadership primarily concerned with efficiency governs the city. Strong oversight of activities overshadows participatory modes of communication. A weak sense of transparency confuses the unavailability of information with control. Although there are overall policies and practices in place they did not stop the informal sector growth. Over 40 per cent of Suez inhabitants are slum dwellers

Objectives:
To contribute to urban poverty reduction and policy development in Egypt through an urban sector profile study — a rapid assessment of needs, response mechanisms and capacity gaps — to be addressed at the local, national and regional levels.

Activities:

1. Research on the general background of the urban sector in Suez, based on the findings of the Suez assessment report, a desk study, interviews, and a city consultation that was held in Suez in May 2004. The background includes data on administration, urban and economic planning, informal economy and the private sector, urban poverty, infrastructure, water, sanitation, public transport, street lighting, energy, health and education.
2. A synthesis of the four main areas: - governance, gender, HIV/AIDS, slums and environment in terms of institutional set-up, regulatory framework, resource mobilisation and performance. This step highlights agreed priorities and includes a list of identified projects.
3. SWOT analysis and outlining of priority project proposals for each theme. The proposals include beneficiaries, partners, estimated costs, objectives, activities and outputs.

Results:

• Study introduced to stakeholders and TORs tailored to local contexts
• Urban indicators collected, city assessment and profiling completed
• City consultations undertaken by including different stakeholders from all levels of urban society and priorities identified and agreed upon
• Capacity building gaps identified at the local level
• Priorities identified and project proposals formulated

Because of RUSPS in Suez City, slum-upgrading strategies backed by local economic development initiatives will be started together with a pro-gender policy. The sustainable financial resources will enhance environmental planning and management whereas, quality of basic urban services will be improved by focusing on solid waste and sanitation services in slums and industrial areas.

The published profile can be found under publications. (Link)