Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem stressed on Saturday the importance of aligning all international co-operation programmes and projects with the ministry’s strategy and current and future priorities to maximise the benefits of available funding and deliver the highest possible returns for Egypt’s water resources sector.
He also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to maintaining close coordination with development partners to achieve programme objectives and strengthen sustainable water resources management.
These remarks came during a meeting the minister called with representatives of the German Agency for International Co-operation (GIZ) to review progress in implementing the Nile Delta Water Management Programme.
The meeting was attended by the programme’s technical team and specialists from the ministry.
Minister Sweilem said that ensuring all international co-operation initiatives are fully aligned with the ministry’s strategic priorities remains a cornerstone of its partnership with international organisations and development partners.
He noted that this approach guarantees the optimal use of financial resources while supporting the ministry’s long-term objectives for improving the management of Egypt’s water resources.
The meeting reviewed progress across the programme’s various components, including achievements to date, ongoing implementation measures and mechanisms to ensure that all activities are completed according to the approved timetable.
Minister Sweilem highlighted the importance of continued co-operation between the ministry’s technical teams and GIZ to ensure the integration and consistency of all programme components, accelerate implementation and achieve the programme’s objectives.
He said the initiative will contribute to developing water resources management, improving water use efficiency and promoting the sustainable management of water resources.
The second phase of the Nile Delta Water Management Programme is being implemented through an integrated water resources management approach that reflects the multiple uses of water, including drinking water supply, irrigation and industrial activities.
Accordingly, the programme brings together the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, and the Ministry of Housing, Utilities and Urban Communities.
Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Co-operation and Development (BMZ) and implemented in partnership with GIZ, the programme consists of five main components.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is responsible for implementing three key components with the German side, covering asset management, operational water management and the updating of water resources and irrigation plans in Sharqia, Dakahlia and Ismailia governorates.
The ministry is also co-operating with the Ministries of Agriculture and Housing to implement awareness-raising activities and programmes for training and developing young and mid-level leaders across the three ministries.
