Egypt and Germany Collaborate on Water Management

(3 Minutes Read)

The governments of Egypt and Germany have engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration in water resource management. The meeting involved Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, and Mario Sander, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.

This dialogue is linked to the upcoming launch of the Fourth National Drainage Program, which will focus on renewing drainage systems across 1.4 million acres. The officials also addressed a feasibility study for coastal protection 15 kilometers east of the Kitchener Drain outlet in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate.

Further discussions included the progress of the JISA Water System and Irrigation Project, funded by the German Development Bank (KfW). Plans were made to expand this initiative to improve the Ismailia Canal bridges, upgrade water infrastructure in the eastern Khandaq and Marqus Coast canals in the West Beheira Irrigation Department, and enhance the Qota Canal in Fayoum. These upgrades will involve modern irrigation techniques, canal rehabilitation, assessments of pumping stations, and the reuse of agricultural drainage water.

Both parties also reviewed the upcoming second phase of the Nile Delta Water Management Program, which will include water balance studies, infrastructure development, strategic planning for water-sensitive areas, increased reuse of agricultural drainage water, and enhanced capacity-building initiatives.

Read Also;

http://trendsnafrica.com/germany-to-invest-in-metal-production-in-egypt/

A significant focus of their discussion was the shift from traditional flood irrigation to modern irrigation systems, emphasising the evaluation of environmental, economic, and social impacts. Sweilem reiterated Egypt’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Germany to tackle water and climate-related challenges, highlighting Germany’s support for the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA), which aims to train African professionals in water management and climate adaptation.