Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris has offered to purchase Mediterranean islands for refugees to call home and earn a decent living. The tycoon has identified two private Greek islands which he is negotiating to acquire.
The story of the three year old Syrian child, Aylan, who washed up to a beach in Turkey after their boat capsized is what moved the billionaire to action. His plan to give the refugees an Island has been stalled by lack of communication from Italy and Greece.
Sawiris said in a statement that he has been approached by the United Nation’s Refugee Agency (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees –UNHCR) to collaborate in the settlement project. The initial stage of the project is estimated to be worth 100 million dollars.
At least 2300 refugees have been reported dead while crossing the sea to Europe since January this year. This dangerous voyage has been made by more than 300,000 refugees according to the UN; a majority of which are fleeing from the civil war in Syria.
Naguib Sawiris is the CEO of Orascom Telecom Media and Technology based in Cairo. The Tycoon is third richest man in Egypt, and is ranked 10th richest man in Africa by Forbes.
