Protests planned to save Cairo, Alex historical sites

[DJKeefy]

Protests planned to save Cairo, Alex historical sites from demolition.

Heritage activists in Cairo and Alexandria are planning protests on Wednesday at 5pm to demand that government officials take steps to prevent local historical landmarks from being demolished.

In Alexandria, the 'Save Alex' group will organise a rally outside the Bibliotheca Alexandrina. In the capital, meanwhile, the 'Save Cairo' group will organise a similar protest outside the Cairo governor's office in Abdeen Square.

In Egypt's post-revolution security vacuum, the practice of illegal construction has soared, taking a particularly heavy toll on both cities' heritage sites.

Protesters will demand a six-month freeze on all demolition orders and building permits in Alexandria, and twelve-month freezes in Cairo; a halt to water and electricity services to illegally-built structures; the removal of extra illegally-built floors on buildings; the creation of a committee to study the issue and compile reports; and the setting of long-term plans to improve urban living conditions in general.

Source: http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/74358.aspx