Egypt Daily News – Dr. Abbas Sharaky, Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, stated that Ethiopia’s unilateral approach in managing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has led to the withholding of around 60 billion cubic meters of water that would have naturally flowed to Egypt’s downstream. He emphasized that this action violates the Declaration of Principles signed in March 2015, which clearly stipulates coordination and cooperation during the filling and operation phases of the dam. He described the move as a direct and serious threat to Egypt’s water security.
Egypt’s Annual Water Share at Risk
Sharaky explained that the volume of water retained in the dam’s reservoir is nearly equivalent to Egypt’s annual share of Nile water of 55.5 billion cubic meters. This, he said, highlights the severe negative impact of the dam on Egypt.
Egypt Responded With Projects
Sharaky pointed out that Egypt has not limited itself to warnings or diplomatic objections, but instead launched a comprehensive national plan to tackle water scarcity. This plan includes the construction of some of the world’s largest water treatment and reuse plants, notably:
- Bahr El-Baqar Treatment Plant
- Al-Mahsama Treatment Plant
- Al-Hamam Plant
In addition, Egypt has upgraded irrigation systems and modified crop patterns to conserve water.
500 Billion Egyptian Pounds in Water Management Projects
Sharaky noted that the total investment in water-related projects has exceeded 500 billion Egyptian pounds. This reflects both strong political will and institutional efficiency in addressing one of the region’s most critical challenges. He said Egypt has become a global model in integrated water resource management.
Egypt Committed to Diplomacy Without Surrendering Its Rights
Sharaky concluded by reaffirming Egypt’s commitment to implementing strategic projects that ensure water sustainability, while also continuing to pursue diplomatic and legal avenues to defend its historic rights to Nile water. He stressed that Egypt’s strategy combines developmental strength with a firm political stance.
