As part of efforts to implement the second generation of Water Management System 2.0, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Swailem, reviewed on Monday the ministry’s efforts to develop smart water management, assess progress on the digital twin project for the Ismailia Canal and its branches, and discuss proposals to expand the project to other canals across the country.
During a meeting, Swailem stressed that greater reliance on smart management forms part of the ministry’s drive to build a modern institutional system based on advanced technology and its integration with the operational reality of Egypt’s water network.
Such efforts, the minister said, would help improve water management and governance, enhance the efficiency of water use, and improve the quality of services provided to citizens and investors.
“The development of the water resources management system through artificial intelligence, digital transformation, smart management, digital platforms, decision-support systems, digital twin technology for irrigation networks and real-time monitoring systems will ensure the efficient and smooth delivery of water to beneficiaries,” Swailem said.
The meeting reviewed progress of the Digital Twin Project for the Ismailia Canal, which involves the use of real-time monitoring tools to track water levels and flows upstream and downstream of barrages, regulators and canal intakes around the clock.
The system covers 32 branch canals supplied by the Ismailia Canal, as well as 119 drinking water facilities and 20 industrial installations.
The smart management model currently being implemented includes daily monitoring of water consumption and tracking water allocations withdrawn by drinking water facilities.
This is intended to support more efficient water use and achieve the best possible distribution of water resources through smart scheduling that ensures water reaches the ends of canals efficiently, while taking account of priorities and actual water demand.
The ministry has also tested the use of advanced cameras to measure water flows and is completing drone imaging work to create a digital model of the canal, allowing periodic monitoring of changes as part of the smart management system under development.
Swailem directed officials to continue work to complete the Digital Twin Project for the Ismailia Canal and carry out the necessary calibrations to ensure the accuracy of water flow data generated by the model.
He also called for the preparation of an integrated plan to expand the digital twin project to other main canals nationwide, with priority given to the most important areas.
The minister further stressed the importance of continuing to develop human resources and enhance the capacity of ministry staff to use modern technologies, helping to support the transition towards more advanced and efficient water management.
