EVALUATING POPULATION REDISTRIBUTION IN EGYPT: INSIGHTS FROM RESIDENT AND NON-RESIDENT PERSPECTIVES ON NEW URBAN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Purpose: Egypt has developed 44 New Urban Communities (NUCs) over the past 40 years to redistribute the population away from Cairo and the Nile Valley. However, many have not met their targets, with an average occupancy rate of 31%. Previous studies have questioned the effectiveness of NUCs and presented recommendations based on case studies and historical data analysis, with little emphasis on the opinions of direct stakeholders. Thus, this research aims to present evidence from the perspectives of residents and non-residents to assess the NUCs' ability to redistribute the population effectively. Design/Methodology: The study assessed the effectiveness of NUCs in distributing Egypt's population based on three variables: Livability, independent economic development and attraction and satisfaction. A questionnaire was designed to collect 633 valid responses from NUCs’ residents and non-residents. Findings: The results showed that NUCs must improve their Livability by lowering living costs, making house prices more affordable and improving maintenance and public transportation. NUCs must expand their economic base by creating more job opportunities, offering necessities and providing more housing units. Moreover, NUCs attract and satisfy people moderately and are less effective in alleviating overcrowding in major Egyptian cities. Originality/Value: The study adds a participatory dimension to the literature using quantitative evidence from residents and non-residents. This helps to fill the strategic gap in developing new areas, as different parties usually have distinctive preferences. Practical Implications: Policy recommendations for urban development and population redistribution in Egypt should, for example, prioritize citizens' needs, consider the quality of urban life in the design phase, revise income categories, develop economic growth policies, prioritize cities' independence and improve Livability in NUCs.