I have found the island I want to buy for refugees: Egyptian billionaire Naguib Sawiris

Naguib Sawiris

The 61-year-old Egyptian billionaire made what was termed an outrageous sounding offer to buy entire islands and start new communities in an attempt to solve the migrant crises some weeks ago, you can read the story here. Its seems his offer is getting closer to reality as he said he has identified two privately owned Greek islands that would be well suited for the project, the CNN reports.
"We have corresponded with their owners and expressed our interest to go into negotiation with them," Sawiris said in a statement.
His idea to create a safe haven for the refugees was first branded as ridiculous by some, but Sawiris said he has received "tons of expressions of interest" from potential donors.
"I'll make a small port or marina for the boats to land there. I'll employ the people to build their own homes, their schools, a hospital, a university, a hotel," he said, adding he could employ between 100,000 and 200,000 refugees. He further stated that he would name the place "Aylan Island," in the memory of the Syrian toddler Aylan Kurdi, who drowned earlier this month trying to reach Europe with his family.
Sawiris reportedly told CNN, "It's the picture of Aylan that woke me up, I said I cannot just sit like that and just do nothing, and pretend it's not my problem."
He is hoping to get more donations towards the project by setting up a joint stock company with $100 million initial capital. "Anyone who will donate will get share in the company, thus becoming a partner in the island and in the project," he said. "This way, any money put in will not be completely lost, as the asset (the island) will remain," he added.
Sawiris said he is now seeking the Greek government's permission to go ahead with the project. Greek authorities said they have yet to receive a formal request.

Source: CNN