Prime Minister Ibrahim Mahlab chaired a ministerial meeting on Saturday to follow up the implementation of a number of projects including a million-acre reclamation project.

The meeting was attended by the ministers of planning, local development, housing, electricity, irrigation, and agriculture, said cabinet spokesman Hosam Qawish.

During the meeting, Mahlab was briefed on contracts to drill wells needed for the reclamation, the spokesman said.

Also, the premier made a phone call with the minister of petroleum to discuss importing drillers needed for the wells.

Meantime, Mahlab discussed with housing minister carrying out drinking water and sewage projects nationwide, Qawish added.

The prime minister asserted priority of the drinking water and sewage projects, asking the housing minister to provide a complete list on the projects in a coming meeting, the spokesman said.

According to Housing Minister Mustafa Madbouli, as many as 83 drinking water projects are under construction and will be delivered this summer. The new projects pump 2.5 million cubic meters per day.