Greater Cairo is one of the most affected regions by air pollution due to industrial and commercial activities, as well as the large number of vehicles on the roads. Despite road infrastructure projects, the problem continues to worsen with the growing number of vehicles, including old and dilapidated ones that release harmful emissions and smoke, affecting both public health and the environment.

Believing in the necessity of civil society’s collaboration with government efforts to implement public policies and enforce laws, the Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE) identified the need to offer services to vehicle owners in the Greater Cairo region. These services relate to the enforcement of Article 37 of the Executive Regulations of Law No. 4 of 1994, in collaboration with relevant ministries, institutions, and professionals in this field. The project aims to educate citizens about the legal requirements for obtaining a vehicle license, emphasizing the vital role played by civil society organizations in advocating for solutions to environmental issues, encouraging public cooperation in enforcing environmental laws, and ensuring a pollution-free environment.

General Objective

Improve air quality in Greater Cairo by raising awareness about vehicle engine adjustments to reduce harmful emissions and providing free telephone services through the Environmental Hotline to guide citizens to registered service centers. Additionally, the project offered engine adjustment services at two model maintenance centers at a nominal fee, and train professionals on emission control techniques.

Specific Objectives

1. Implement public policies by creating a partnership model across sectors to improve air quality in Greater Cairo.
2. Raise environmental awareness among vehicle owners and drivers about Law No. 4 of 1994, especially regarding vehicle licensing, through a free telephone service that helps citizens renew or obtain vehicle licenses.
3. Activate the role of civil society organizations in enforcing Law No. 4 of 1994, specifically Executive Order No. 22526 of 2002, in controlling vehicle emissions, and promote local dialogue through public hearings and community sessions.
4. Establish a database of service centers and workshops that provide engine maintenance and adjustment services to reduce vehicle emissions in Greater Cairo.
5. Set up two model centers (replicable) to provide engine diagnostics and adjustments to reduce emissions at a nominal fee.
6. Train a group of professionals on emission control to meet the legal requirements for vehicle emissions as per Article 37 of the Executive Regulations of Law No. 4 of 1994, covering Greater Cairo.

Implementation Site

Governorates of Greater Cairo

Partners

• Coptic Association for Social Care (CASC) – Main Partner
• Arab Office for Youth and Environment (AOYE) – Supporting Partner
• Al-Ikhlas Coptic Development Association – Local Partner in Beni Suef Governorate
• Misr El-Erada Association – Local Partner in Cairo Governorate

Funds

NGO Services Center

Project Duration

Started in 2004

Project Outcomes

• Announced hotline numbers and received 50 calls daily, guiding citizens on the environmental requirements for vehicle licensing and educating them about Law No. 4 of 1994, particularly Article 37 of the Executive Regulations.
• Raised awareness among at least 1,200 citizens in target areas and resolved licensing issues for over 100 citizens, offering solutions through public hearings and 12 community sessions in Greater Cairo.
• Provided emission testing and maintenance services at a nominal fee for 200 beneficiaries per month, helping them renew vehicle licenses.
• Trained 200 professionals to offer high-quality emission control and engine adjustment services in Greater Cairo, certified for compliance with environmental law.
• Established a service database including maintenance centers and workshops offering vehicle engine adjustments in Greater Cairo and generated monthly reports on beneficiaries and services.
• Formed a supervisory committee consisting of 20 members to oversee the project’s implementation and ensure its success by addressing challenges and maintaining project progress at the required level.