Ministry of Water Resources & Irrigation

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, and Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, inspect the development clusters in North and South Sinai governorates.

Residents: These development communities represent centers for , provide and work , and contribute to the reconstruction of the precious land of Sinai.

Prof. Sewilam:

- In implementation of the directives of His Excellency the President Abdelfatah Al Sisi, 17 developmental complexes must be established to serve in North and South Sinai, including lands, residential houses, underground wells, pumping units, administrative and service facilities.

- Implementing maintenance work for wells and assigning , and operation to companies.

- The importance of coordinating between beneficiaries to preserve, govern and manage in a controlled manner.

- Cleaning the catchment basins of wells is the responsibility of beneficiaries through user associations.

- The importance of forming water user associations to determine work mechanisms and the and of withdrawn from wells in coordination with the ministry's sectors.

Today morning, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, and Mr. Alaa Farouk, Minister of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, arrived to North Sinai Governorate to inspect the service center and the developmental community at the Nathila site in the Nakhl section of North Sinai Governorate, then inspected the Hamma site in Ras Sidr Center in South Sinai Governorate.

The two ministers were welcomed by Major General Khaled Magawer, Governor of North Sinai, who welcomed the two ministers and emphasized his keenness to with their Excellencies in serving the and systems in the governorate.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, discussed with the Governor of Menoufia joint coordination to serve the water resources and irrigation system in the governorate, and inspects the condition of irrigation in the river canal.

Prof. Sewilam:

- Quickly study a beneficiary's complaint about a leakage that may be coming from the cover of Al-Manahar canal and to address the immediately after ascertaining the cause.

- Quickly study the of a beneficiary about the blockage of the drainage network in the area and to quickly the wiring of the network.

- Inspecting the preliminary experiment being carried out on the Al-Manhar Tributary to write messages on the sides of the eligible canals as part of a awareness that will be launched soon.

- A protective fence to be implemented on the bridge of the canal with the participation of the .

- Inspecting the site of the implementation of covering part of the Kafr Al-Masilha drain to create a traffic axis by the Menoufia Governorate with the participation of popular , and reviewing the designs and specifications with the highest under the of the Drainage Authority.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, held a meeting with Prof. Dr. Gina El-Feky, Acting President of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology.

During the meeting, joint between the National Water Research Center and the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology to serve the scientific research system in the field of water was discussed.

The Ministry’s priorities in the resources system were reviewed under the umbrella of the “Second Generation Irrigation System 2.0,” and the research studies proposed to deal with the various facing the sector in Egypt.

Prof. Sewilam emphasized the role of research in providing constructive and proposals to deal with challenges, provided that these solutions are applicable on the ground, as it was agreed that would identify the challenges facing Egypt in the field of water and announce them to all Egyptian universities and research centers to enable them to submit research projects to develop practical solutions to these challenges.

Prof. Sewilam directed that the National Water Research Center has to prepare proposals regarding the priorities of research studies in which cooperation could be conducted with the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology in a way that serves the ministry’s and .

Prof. Sewilam also invited the scientific staff of the Academy of Scientific Research and Technology to participate in the activities of the “7th ,” scheduled to be held next October, to enrich scientific discussions during the week’s activities.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, welcomed Major General Mohamed Al-Zamlout, Governor of the New Valley, where they discussed the status of water projects within the governorate, the guidelines for the use of groundwater, and the procedures for monitoring and governance of withdrawal from groundwater wells within the governorate.

Prof. Sewilam:

- Will not tolerate any violations of drawing from groundwater wells, and ensuring that meters are calibrated and licenses are correct.

M.G. Zamlout:

- I the Ministry’s efforts to preserve the aquifer and integrate the province’s capabilities with the Ministry.

They both agreed on expanding the use of irrigation systems in the New Valley, considering the use of systems suitable for the desert environment, and benefiting from drainage water in the oases in the New Valley, taking into account the elements of and balance.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, received a report from Eng. Eman Abdelaziz, Head of the Technical, Financial and Administrative Inspection Sector, to follow up on the Ministry’s complaints system status.

The report indicated that the Complaints Completion Index at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in the unified government system in the Council of Ministers during the period from January 2021 until the end of May 2024 amounted to (95.27%), and the Ministry completed researching and studying (2,370) complaints, requests, and relief requests during the month of July 2024.

Prof. Sewilam directed that all the Ministry’s sectors deal seriously and decisively with any complaints received by the Ministry, within the framework of ensuring continuous with citizens and strengthening with them.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, received a report on the status of water projects being implemented within the framework of the presidential initiative “Haya Karima.”

Prof. Sewilam:

-The Ministry has played a pivotal role in implementing the Haya karima Initiative since its launch.

-Water resources projects are of great importance in achieving development, and is a key element in all projects.

-The implemented contributed to the standard of living of citizens in the initiative centers.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, witnessed the activities of the first workshop held to discuss and determine the competencies related to the tasks of the Ministry’s employees and link them to the training programs, which were organized in cooperation between the Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation and the Central Administration for Human Resources at the General Office and the relevant Ministry sectors (reservoirs sector) and the grand arches as a first stage.

Prof. Sewilam directs the following:

- Discussing the various mechanisms that suit the nature of work in each entity.
- Training programs must be compatible with the ministry’s #2050 strategy and the “Second Generation of Irrigation System 2.0” themes.
- Involving all employees in the training programs that will be held according to the career path of each individual.
- Measuring the impact of training on employees and setting that govern the measurement of this impact.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, met with Mr. Mohamed Abdel Latif, Minister of Education and Technical Education, to enhance cooperation between both ministries. The primary focus is on integrating education about water challenges into school curricula and activities. Mr. Abdel Latif appreciated Prof. Sewilam’s efforts in this collaboration.

Prof. Sewilam emphasized the significance of this joint effort, underscoring the need to students on water and the critical facing Egypt’s water sector. H.E. highlighted the importance of correcting misconceptions about water and raising about its issues.

Mr. Abdel Latif highlighted various initiatives to promote awareness, including nationwide awareness seminars, workshops on water conservation, and student research competitions. H.E. also mentioned plans to include water challenges in school curricula and to implement activities in schools as per the agreement between the two ministries.

August 1st signals the start of the New Water Year. As we embark on this yearly cycle, we renew our dedication to carefully managing and preserving our valuable water resources, securing sustainability for the generations to come.

Within the framework of H.E.’s field visits across the governorates, Prof. Dr. Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources & Irrigation, inspected early morning “Station 6” on the conveyor track of the new Delta station, and the irrigation status of the Nasr and Hammam canals
Prof. Sewilam highlighted that:
- Engineers of the Mechanical Department will be trained on the operation and maintenance of the stations by the implementing company
- The Ministry seeks to raise the capabilities of its employees in the field of operating and maintaining water treatment plants in light of the expansion in the reuse of agricultural drainage water
Prof. Sewilam directs the following:
- Studying the connection of the systems of all stations on the conveyor track, and operating them in a harmonious manner remotely
- Speeding up the removal of encroachments on the Nasr and canals and continuing follow-up to ensure that encroachments do not return
- Continuing follow-up and issuing reports of for any lands irrigated by flooding on the Nasr and Hammam canals

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, held a meeting with Dr. Mohamed Youssef, consultant to the Dutch Deltares Institute, to discuss areas of cooperation between the Ministry and the Institute in the field of water resources.

Prof. Sewilam:

- Preparing a list of the Ministry’s priorities of studies, feasibility studies, and projects that can be implemented in cooperation with development partners and donors.

- A plan is being set to implement governance principles in all ministry sectors to achieve and , clarify the role of institutions and avoid centralized decision-making.

- The Ministry's interest in adopting and policies and solutions, and implementing friendly projects.

On behalf of H.E. Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, participated in the celebration organized by the Embassy of the State of Rwanda in Cairo to celebrate the 13th anniversary of the National Liberation Day of the State of Rwanda.

Prof. Sewilam conveys the congratulations of H.E. President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to the President of Rwanda on the occasion of his re-election, and stresses Egypt’s commitment to cooperative efforts to strengthen cooperation ties between the two countries.

Prof. Sewilam:

-Egypt is committed to its fraternal relationship with the Nile Basin countries and at all levels to mutual gains and avoid causing harm to any party.

-Distinct and diverse relations between Egypt and Rwanda in various fields, and the two countries are members of a number of regional organizations, which the existing ties between them.

-The navigation project between Lake Victoria and the Mediterranean Sea aims to enhance between countries, facilitate the movement of trade, and connect landlocked countries to international seas and ports.

-The Ministries of Transport and International Cooperation obtained funding from the African Development Bank to study the feasibility of the .

-Egypt launched the initiative in cooperation with many international organizations, and capacity building and knowledge exchange programs under the umbrella of the initiative will enable countries to effectively address challenges.

Within the framework of H.E.’s tours across the governorates, Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam inspects water resources and irrigation projects in Governorate.

Prof. Sewilam meets with the Governor of Damietta and directs the following:
- Studying the governorate’s requests to protect the Nile River front in Damiett

- Conducting an integrated study of the resident units in Al-Rai Colony, and the speed of development of residential buildings and landscaping

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, received a report from Dr. Arif Gharib, Head of the Nile Water Affairs Sector, reviewing the results of the work of the joint steering committee for the Integrated Water Resources Management Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which was held in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, during the period July 13-17, 2024.

-Prof. Sewilam encouraged promoting work on bilateral projects between the two countries, opening new horizons for cooperation, and overcoming any facing the implementation of projects.

-Congolese Minister of the Environment: I thank Egypt for the it provides to the State of the Congo in the field of integrated management of water resources and the transfer of expertise.

-The progress of the drilled wells for the underground water station in the Kitsini area was inspected as well as the civil works of one of the stations in the “Kingabwa” area.

-Checked out the progress of the work being done at the Rain Prediction Center in Kinshasa, which contributes to reducing the risk of floods in Congo.

-Visited a small project in one of the branches of the Congo River and visited the proposed site for establishing a new hydroelectric project.

-Egyptian readiness was highlighted to discuss ways to such projects to serve citizens in Congo in obtaining energy.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, and H.E. Eng. Sherif El-Sherbini, Minister of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities, held a meeting with the presence of leaders and officials of the two ministries and their affiliated sectors, to discuss the topics of common interest and ways to enhance cooperation between the two ministries.

Prof. Sewilam congratulated Eng. Sherif El-Sherbini on the confidence of the political leadership and his assignment of the housing portfolio, wishing him good luck and success. The two ministers affirmed their keenness on continuing cooperation on all issues of common interest, in a way that achieves the interest of the nation and provides services to the public.

Both ministers followed up on the status of operating water stations, and the procedures to ensure the provision of the required levels in front of the intakes of these stations, to provide the necessary amounts of to citizens during the summer season, as well as the position of implementing and operating seawater plants in coastal areas, where emphasis was placed on continuing joint coordination. Between specialists from both sides, to work to maximize the use of available resources.

They also stressed on the necessity of localizing the manufacture of elements used in desalination plants, and using the latest in a way that reduces the cost of water desalination in Egypt, and studying reliance on desalination to reduce the salinity of water to the degree that allows it to be used in growing some salt-tolerant crops, and benefiting from desalination to reduce the degree of salinity in wastewater, thus maximizing water utilization and .

The two ministers also stressed the need to take all necessary measures to ensure the of waterways from pollution, and the importance of joint coordination with the Ministry of Environment regarding developing and establishing treatment units in factories with the aim of reconciling their conditions and achieving environmental compatibility and relying on water recycling technology in a closed circuit inside factories to reduce water consumption and reducing environmental impacts on water resources.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, delivered the ministry’s statement in front of the parliamentary committee formed to study the new government’s program.

Prof. Sewilam:

-I appreciate the aspirations of the Egyptian people for the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to provide needs for all uses.

-Continuing efforts to bilateral relations with various countries of the African continent, especially the Nile Basin countries.

-Raising the of workers in the field of water treatment and plant operation and increasing scientific research into the use of treated and highly salinity water in agriculture.

-Completing the national project to tired canals within the framework of the controls and specifications that have been established and increasing cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture to activate the canal disinfection system.

-Implementing the plan to transition to irrigation in accordance with the Ministry’s priorities, while raising the of beneficiaries of the importance of transitioning to modern irrigation.

-Continue developing the and follow-up system for the High Dam and Aswan Reservoir.

-Completing and initiating to rehabilitate, replace, and renew water facilities, develop operating and systems for major facilities on the Nile, a plan to replace and renew gates and control facilities, and modernize gate operating systems.

-Continue implementing the plan to establish, replace, and renew priority pumping stations.

-Completing the stages of the project to and the irrigation and drainage system in Siwa Oasis.

-Completing the work of protecting Egyptian beaches and expanding modern friendly technologies.

-Continuing efforts to remove on waterways and increasing penalties to deter violators.

-Encouraging and increasing applied to serve the Ministry’s objectives and working to raise the efficiency of researchers at the National Water Research Center.

-Expanding the activation of water governance procedures, expanding civil society contributions, activating the role of user associations, and updating legislative frameworks to ensure the implementation of the irrigation law in a way that serves the public interest.

-Completing efforts to develop and modernize the management system, creating databases to serve the system, keeping pace with technological development, expanding the work of modern applications, and completing the development of forecasting models.

-Expanding the use of energy to operate wells, while studying its use in operating pumping stations.

-Continuing to organize on an annual basis, actively participating in all international activities related to water, and renewing and signing a number of MoU with several external parties.

-Continuing campaigns on the importance of water rationalization and protecting it against encroachment and pollution.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, met with Dr. Amgad Al Mahdi, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa at the Green Climate Fund.

During the meeting, the proposal to launch a new phase of the project “Enhancing Adaptation to Climate Changes in the North Coast and the Nile River Delta,” which is funded by a grant from the Green Climate Fund, was discussed. The proposal was also discussed to begin studying the transport of sand from the marine delta region to nourish slaughter sites in coastal areas.

Prof. Sewilam emphasized the Ministry’s interest in adopting and policies and and implementing friendly projects such as the “Adaptation Enhancement Project,” the “Study of Sand Transport from the Marine Delta Region,” and the rehabilitation of canals with environmentally friendly materials.

During the meeting, a proposed project was also discussed to the irrigation system in the Wadi Al-Naqra region in Aswan Governorate, to improve the irrigation situation, rehabilitate pumping stations, and develop waterways in the region, while using a single pumping point powered by energy to reduce fuel consumption, and encourage farmers to switch to irrigation to rationalize water use in the region.

Cooperation was also discussed between the Ministry and the Fund to develop early warning systems for the dangers of flash floods, as Prof. Sewilam pointed out what Egypt had achieved previously by establishing a prediction center that predicts the amounts and locations of rainfall in Egypt, but the matter requires developing this system, especially in light of change, which the world is currently facing.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, received a report from Eng. Mohamed Abdelsame, Head of the Drainage Authority, to review the state of the agricultural drainage system and the work and activities of the Egyptian General Authority for Drainage Projects.

Prof. Sewilam:

-Disinfecting 22 thousand kilometers of drains, most of them twice a year.

-Implementing many and works for water facilities on agricultural drains.

-Ending the replacement of the Hegaza drain siphon, strengthening the Naga Hammadi drain siphon in Qena, and nearing the replacement of the Edfu drain siphon connection to Aswan.

- Work on constructing the culvert of the Belbeis drain in Sharqia, strengthening the culvert of the Comair drain in Luxor, and expanding the expulsion basin at the Qalabsho and Zayan station.

- Beginning the process of the inlets of the new Al Mahsama Bank, with a length of 700 metres, and preparing to begin the process of constructing the siphon of the Itsa Bank in Minya.

- Implementing walls for a number of drains in Beheira and Fayoum governorates.

- and of bridges over banks in 9 governorates.

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, participated in the kick-off meeting for “Development Partners - Preparation for the 7th Cairo Water Week.”

Prof. Sewilam:

- I extend my greetings to the development partners, especially the , for their joint cooperation with the Ministry in many fields and international events.

- Cairo Water Week has become a large and important platform for dialogue between various countries, regional and international organizations, and from all countries of the world.

- There has been significant in the preparation of the week’s participants from 2018 until last year, especially from African countries.

- We expect more participation this year, especially as the week coincides with the 9th African Water Week.

- The 5th Cairo Water Week was a preparatory event for the conference, which resulted in huge gains in the and issue.

- Egypt’s leadership with Japan of the third interactive water dialogue is an indication of Egypt’s prominent regional position as a voice that expresses the African continent, the Arab countries, and the Mediterranean countries.

- During the 7th Cairo Water Week, we will work to continue raising the position of and its relationship with the .

- During the coming period, we will discuss with the partners adding new topics to the week in accordance with the and needs of different countries.

- Signing the partnership agreement between Egypt and the European Union will be an important tool for reaching solutions that deal with water in the countries of the southern Mediterranean and North Africa.

- The importance of increasing reliance on modern and searching for creative .

H.E. Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, held a meeting to follow up on the water situation during the period of maximum water needs, and to check on the status of irrigation, the status of dispositions and levels in the network of canals and drains, and the status of the operation and maintenance of pumping stations and water facilities.

Prof. Sewilam directs the following:

- Following up on the status of canal and drain in Aswan, and closely the status of irrigation in the Wadi al-Naqra area in Aswan.

- Preparing a comprehensive report on the status of canal and the and of gates in the western part of the lake.

- Study the case of the joint bridge between the Tanta Navigation Canal and Tala Bank and prepare a report on the proposed work for the bridge.

- Taking into account the of the inspection sector for irrigation engineering and departments when providing financial incentives for those departments and engineering.

- Coordination between irrigation, mechanics, and institutes regarding zones on canals and drains and studying the use of alternative materials to iron in their manufacture.

- Preparing an application to display shift data on canals to be used by in various governorates.

Happy Hijri New Year! May this year bring you peace and happiness.