“The massacre of Abu Qir trees”… A traffic expansion project sparks outrage in Alexandria

A heated debate has erupted on social media in recent days after photos circulated of huge trees being cut down in the Roshdy area overlooking Abu Qir Street in eastern Alexandria. Users of social media platforms criticized this move, especially in light of the unusually hot weather and climate change the world is experiencing, asking: How can we cut down trees instead of increasing green spaces?

Alexandria Governorate: Expansion aims to ease traffic congestion

The governorate clarified in official statements that the tree cutting is part of a project to expand Al-Horreya Road from the Sidi Gaber area to the Ministry Station in the east of the city. The aim is to ease traffic congestion.

Tree cutting on Abu Qir Street divides supporters and opponents

The opinions of Alexandrians and social media users are divided. One group believes that the expansion is necessary to ease traffic congestion. However, they have reservations about removing the large trees that are part of the street’s identity. They believe that the governorate needs more green spaces, not less.

Others, however, insisted that the expansion was necessary but not at the expense of sidewalks and green spaces. This is especially true given that the street overlookes three schools, raising concerns about student safety with the narrower sidewalks.

A third group objected to the project on principle, arguing that the problem is not the width of the street but the lack of traffic lights and organization. They said that the expansion will not solve the crisis as long as traffic continues to be chaotic.

Alexandria Governorate paved the way for tree cutting

Bab Masr – Bahri observed the effects of tree cutting along the street, which also revealed the significant difference between the width of the old sidewalk and the new one. It was decided to approve the plan after adding part of the sidewalk to the street to create eight lanes (four in each direction), as announced by the Alexandria Governorate.

One resident of the area confirmed that Ahmed Khaled Hassan, governor of Alexandria, appeared on a field tour before the start of implementation and received a request from a citizen to cut down a tree that was about to fall. But then, according to residents, a campaign began that they described as a “tree massacre,” considering it a prelude to the project, even though many of the trees did not pose a danger.

Car shop owners in the area also expressed concern about the reduction of the sidewalk, pointing out that the proximity of cars to shops and the danger of high speeds would make the street more like a highway if strict controls were not put in place.

Successive explanatory statements from the governorate

The Alexandria governorate issued several successive statements to clarify the reasons for cutting down these trees, following the controversy sparked by this action. It confirmed that the trees would be transferred to the Central Administration of Parks nursery in the governorate after their removal.

They will then be replanted at alternative locations, with emphasis on the accuracy of these procedures.

The governor also clarified that this project will be supported by planting trees that do not obstruct pedestrian traffic and are regular in growth. These include trees such as bonsai, jacaranda, baltform, portulaca, Italian cypress, arrocadia, and aromatic plants such as night-blooming jasmine and mizharat, as well as shrubs such as tuya, cypress, likoflim, and dwarf bougainvillea.

According to the governorate, this project aims to reduce traffic congestion in the Sidi Gaber and Semouha areas. The first phase will begin on Ibrahim Al-Sharif Street and continue to Syria Street. It is expected to take 45 days, with three weeks for each direction.

Distrust and appeals from Alexandria residents

Despite the explanations, many residents expressed distrust of promises to restore green spaces and focus on tree planting after the project is completed. They insist that the space that will remain as a sidewalk, according to the clear plans, is too small. It may not be enough for large numbers of people, such as schoolchildren leaving at the same time. Where will there be space to plant trees?

Not to mention that it will take a long time for new trees to grow and provide shade and purify the air from car exhaust, as the trees that were cut down did. Some comments also said, “The old trees were cut down with chainsaws. How will they be replanted in other areas as they announced?”

On the other hand, citizens demanded that traffic be regulated and traffic signs be placed in clear locations for drivers, indicating the direction of travel and turning. This is to prevent collisions and traffic jams, which often result from failure to comply with traffic regulations.