Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Swailam, has reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening co-operation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) to advance coastal protection initiatives and develop Egypt’s water infrastructure.
He stressed the importance of maximising available financing opportunities and ensuring the timely delivery of joint projects in line with national priorities and the findings of sound technical studies.
The minister made these remarks during a meeting on Monday with the EBRD Vice President for Infrastructure in Egypt and Regional Head of Sustainable Infrastructure, Gonzalo Correa, to review progress on several joint initiatives, including the Kitchener Drain Water Quality Improvement Project, the rehabilitation of pumping stations across Egypt, and the rehabilitation of the Rosetta (Rashid) seawall.
Swailam emphasised the importance of ongoing technical studies in identifying priorities, determining suitable locations and assessing appropriate financing mechanisms for coastal protection projects.
He underlined the need for decisions to be based on robust technical, economic and environmental criteria, while remaining aligned with national priorities and established procedures.
The discussions also covered the Kitchener Drain project, particularly the tendering procedures for the construction of the Samatay and Al-Hamoul pumping stations, as well as contracts for technical support and implementation supervision.
The minister called for concerted efforts to overcome implementation challenges, accelerate progress, comply with agreed schedules and expedite the tendering and award of contracts for the remaining works.
The meeting also reviewed the ministry’s Strategic Plan for Rehabilitating Pumping Stations in Egypt and progress on a feasibility study examining opportunities for private sector participation in the construction and rehabilitation of pumping stations.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of continued coordination to advance shared projects, strengthen the resilience of Egypt’s water infrastructure and support sustainable water resource management.
