Cairo - Donkeys have been banned from walking around in the streets of Egypt's south-western al-Wadi al-Gadeed governorates without wearing diapers, according to an official in the area.

Mohammed Haround said the measure was to "preserve the aesthetic and cultural scene of the governorate which currently witnesses an unprecedented boom in tourism".

"Diapers are available in the markets at low prices," Haroun was quoted by the official MENA news agency as saying on Tuesday. He added that owners of the donkeys who violate this decision will be fined.

Donkeys are vital for many Egyptians since they can easily carry 20-30 per cent of their body weight and are helpful in farming. Donkeys and donkey-drawn carts are a common sight Egypt's cities and countryside. (dpa)