CAIRO – President Abdel Fattah El Sisi directed the government to continue investment in upgrading Egypt’s water and irrigation system, with greater reliance on modern technologies and smart water management solutions.
During a follow-up meeting on Sunday, Sisi stressed the importance of prudent management and safe use of Egypt’s groundwater, commending efforts of the Ministry of Irrigation and Water Resources in safeguarding Egypt’s water security.
He underscored the need to persist in implementing water-saving measures across agricultural, industrial and other sectors.
The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sweilem, Head of the Armed Forces’ National Service Projects Organiسation Magdy Anwar, Head of the Armed Forces’ Financial Affairs Authority Khaled Ahmed Abdullah, and Head of the Armed Forces’ Engineering Authority Walid Mohamed Aref.
Presidential Spokesman Mohamed El-Shenawy said the meeting reviewed the overall national water situation, availability of water for agricultural projects and drinking water, and the status of ongoing projects, including the reinforcement of water infrastructure.
Discussions also covered progress on the New Delta project, particularly efforts to collect and transfer agricultural drainage water to the New Delta treatment plant to secure clean water for agricultural investment.
The meeting also reviewed the National Water Resources and Irrigation Plan 2050, “Water Security for All,” which focuses on rationalizing consumption, improving water quality, developing additional water resources, and fostering an enabling environment.
The concept of a second-generation irrigation system was discussed, aiming to bolster Egypt’s water security by creating non-traditional resources, optimizing use of conventional resources, enhancing national development opportunities, and embracing digital transformation in water management.
The plan also includes employing modern technologies and satellite monitoring to track waterways, oversee maintenance operations, and detect violations.
Sweilem explained that the second-generation irrigation system focuses on large-scale water treatment projects, including the Bahr Al-Baqar treatment plant, the New Delta treatment plant, and the Al-Mahsama plant.
