The Policies Secretariat of the ruling National Democratic Party (NDP) is discussing today the demographic issue and how to steadfast against its consequences to curb its negative impacts on the Egyptian community. The step comes as a prelude for preparations of the NDP's 9th General Congress which is scheduled to be held on next November 3rd.

Such an issue is extremely important and barbed especially in the heels of Egypt's population reaching to approximately 75 million according to the latest census. The Egyptians are annually increasing by one million three hundred persons.

Deplorably, the bulk of the Egyptian population is still living on the two banks of the River Nile, while the rest of the country is fairly empty and free from inhabitants. Accordingly, we have aspirations that the Toshka area in south western deserts of Egypt will attract more people to live and labour therein. Toshka is a gigantic enterprise that will be finalized by the advent of the year 2011.

We hope also that the Sinai Peninsula would also attract a portion of the overpopulated neighborhoods in the Nile Valley after having been provided with water through the Al-Salam Canal where the cultivated areas now began to yield fruits and vegetation.

Regrettably, the overpopulation impedes development and devours any resources. As a whole, we have to put an end to such a barbed dilemma because the repercussions are dangerous.

Mass media must also take part in explaining the grave consequences of overpopulation in the country to our fellow Egyptians and the populace. The National Population Council has to shoulder its responsibilities to curb the population increase.

Currently, the demographic issue is one of the most important challenges encountering the nation since the overpopulation requires more educational, health services, utilities, transportation and foodstuff.

Family planning must not be affected only by issuing binding laws, but by persuasion, sound awareness and a futuristic perspective.

Editorial
Al Akhbar
28/10/2007