Luxor Redevelopment Plan
44 images Created 10 Jun 2009
Egyptian officials have undertaken a 6 bilion dollar urban planning project that aims not only to better preserve the ancient city of Luxor, but also improve and modernize the area which for years has fallen into neglect.
The first stage of this process is the razing of entire villages that were built atop ancient tombs and ruins dating back thousands of years and the relocation of villagers to new homes, several kilometers away, in New Gourna.
Locals complain the new homes are too far away from tourists and their work at nearby factories and shops. Some of the new homes are already collapsing due to poor construction.
Egyptian authorities claim the effort is necessary, and are moving ahead with other phases of the plan, which include a new ferry terminal, restored ancient avenues between Karnak and Luxor temples, and a comprehensive redesign of the downtown Luxor area that will see the relocation of more than 20,000 Egyptians living in there.
The first stage of this process is the razing of entire villages that were built atop ancient tombs and ruins dating back thousands of years and the relocation of villagers to new homes, several kilometers away, in New Gourna.
Locals complain the new homes are too far away from tourists and their work at nearby factories and shops. Some of the new homes are already collapsing due to poor construction.
Egyptian authorities claim the effort is necessary, and are moving ahead with other phases of the plan, which include a new ferry terminal, restored ancient avenues between Karnak and Luxor temples, and a comprehensive redesign of the downtown Luxor area that will see the relocation of more than 20,000 Egyptians living in there.
