Talks with Namibia on water challenges

Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Aati on Thursday met with Namibia’s Minister of Water, Agriculture and Land Reclamation Carl Hermann Gustav to discuss co-operation in water resources and irrigation.

Abdel Aati outlined the challenges of rising population to Egypt’s already limited water resources.

Egypt and the rest of the world are witnessing accelerated climate change, the minister said, noting the threats posed by climate change and its impact on sustainable development and access water.

The meeting also highlighted Egypt’s efforts to meet these challenges as the ministry has devised a water resources strategy until 2050 costing $50 billion, possibly $100 billion. The ministry has also developed a national plan for water resources until 2037 based on rationalising the use of water, improving water quality, providing additional water sources, and creating a climate for optimal water management.

Abdel Aati also highlighted major ministry projects such as the lining of irrigation canals, modern irrigation systems, the use of smart irrigation applications, and recycling agricultural drainage water.

The meeting also covered projects for protection against torrential rain, beach conservation schemes, and a review of groundwater management methods currently used in Egypt.

For his part, the Namibian minister, who is also chairman of the Council of African Ministers of Water (AMCOW) referred to the many water challenges that his country is facing, which prompts the strengthening of cooperation between the two countries with regard to water.

The minister also referred to the participation of the Namibian delegation in the Fourth edition of Cairo Water Week, which will provide an opportunity to strengthen cooperation.

After the meeting, the Namibian minister visited the Flood Forecasting Centre, which uses satellite technology and advanced models to simulate hydrological behaviour of the Nile and forecast rain and floods, in addition to studying climate change and its impact on Egypt.