Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam and South Sinai Governor Khaled Ismail Kamal, reviewed on Tuesday the status of water projects across the governorate, with discussions focusing on groundwater management, regulation of groundwater abstraction, and oversight of activities along the coastal zone.
Sewilam stressed the ministry’s commitment to boosting co-operation with all governorates to ensure the sustainable management of water resources, particularly deep groundwater reserves, which require careful scientific management to prevent the depletion of non-renewable aquifers, according to a ministry press release.
The minister also underscored the importance of ensuring that all activities in coastal areas comply with relevant laws and regulations, while continuing to implement and monitor flood protection projects in governorates vulnerable to flash floods.
For his part, Governor Kamal commended the close co-operation between the ministry and South Sinai, saying it reflects the state’s commitment to sound water resource management, safeguarding groundwater reserves and supporting sustainable development to meet citizens’ needs.
The two sides reviewed groundwater management plans, particularly in development clusters across the governorate, as well as the findings of integrated technical studies on aquifers in Abu Zenima, Saint Catherine, El Naqb, Nuweiba, Taba and the Qa’a Plain.
They also discussed the outcomes of an inventory of illegally drilled groundwater wells and agreed to continue surveying unlicensed wells while requiring their owners to complete the legal licensing procedures in accordance with the applicable regulations.
On flood protection, the meeting reviewed the implementation of 508 flood protection structures carried out at a total cost of LE3.2 billion.
In addition, the discussions covered proposed flood mitigation works in valleys and surrounding areas near Wadi Feiran village, including Al Jazira, Al Nufous, Al Rahba, Nasreen, Tajammu Al Abar, Seil Agla and Wadi Sahb, to enhance the safety of residents and protect property.
The meeting further reviewed plans to dredge the Salaf Dam at the entrance to Wadi Salaf and remove accumulated silt and sediment, with the project set to be tendered soon.
Regarding coastal development, the two sides reaffirmed the need to fully comply with the decisions of the Supreme Committee for Beach Licensing governing all projects in Dahab’s coastal zone, while adhering to the designated shoreline setback line approved by the Shore Protection Authority.
