By Khair Ragheb 9/ 6/ 2009
The Ministry of Transport has upgraded the alert to the highest level and around the clock at the Red Sea ports in coordination with all the health authorities of Suez, South Sinai and the Red Sea, in preparation for the arrival of the Egyptian workers returning from Saudi Arabia, Jordan and the Gulf.
Minister of Transport Mohamed Mansour yesterday said that all quarantines were provided with thermal detectors and other necessary equipment to examine the passengers, in preparation for the pilgrimage season and the return of the expatriate workers.
He said the ministry has coordinated with the concerned authorities of the ports (Customs - Passport Control - Port Police - Import Control) to speed up the travel procedures so as to avoid crowds. He added that this is taking place under the supervision of the Higher Commission that is following up the pilgrimage.
He said there are 18 ferries operating between the Red Sea ports (Safaga - Hurghada - Nuweiba) and those in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah - Yanbu - Duba) and Jordan (Aqaba). 15 ferries have a total capacity of 13,500 passengers, while three have a total cargo capacity of 150 trucks. They all operate according to the tables drawn up by the ministry as to the dates and timings for sailing.
