Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi convened a high-level meeting to assess the country’s water situation, as part of ongoing efforts to secure Egypt’s water future and ensure sustainable development. The meeting brought together Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouly, Minister of Planning and Economic Development Dr. Rania Al-Mashat, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Dr. Hani Sewilam, as well as senior officials from the Armed Forces’ National Service Projects Organization and Engineering Authority.
According to Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy, the meeting featured a comprehensive presentation on the national water outlook, including current water availability and its adequacy for agricultural projects and potable water supply. Special attention was given to key ongoing projects aimed at reinforcing Egypt’s water infrastructure.
Among the primary topics was the status of the New Delta Project, a flagship agricultural initiative that aims to create sustainable farming communities in Egypt’s northwest desert. Officials reviewed progress on the collection and transfer of agricultural drainage water to a treatment facility designed to supply clean, safe water for agricultural investments in the New Delta region.
The President was also briefed on the National Water Resources and Irrigation Plan titled “Water Security for All 2050.” This long-term strategy is built on four key pillars: rationalizing water consumption, improving water quality, developing new water resources, and creating an enabling environment for sustainable management.
The plan includes the introduction of the “second-generation irrigation system,” which seeks to enhance water security by integrating non-traditional water sources, improving management of existing ones, and supporting the country’s overall development agenda.
A central component of the strategy is the digital transformation of Egypt’s water management system. The government is adopting modern technologies, including satellite imaging and digital monitoring tools, to track waterway conditions, oversee maintenance, and detect any illegal encroachments. These innovations aim to optimize the operation of the water network and ensure more efficient allocation and use.
Minister Sewilam emphasized that the second-generation irrigation system is not only focused on better water distribution but also on water treatment. Major infrastructure projects such as the Bahr Al-Baqar, New Delta, and Al-Mahsama treatment plants are crucial pillars of this vision. These facilities are among the largest of their kind globally and represent Egypt’s commitment to creating alternative water sources through advanced reclamation and purification technologies.
President El-Sisi expressed appreciation for the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation’s efforts and reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening water security. He stressed the importance of continuing to implement water-saving measures across all sectors, especially agriculture and industry.
The President also directed government agencies to continue investing in the modernization of the water and irrigation systems, with a focus on smart water management and the adoption of digital technologies. Furthermore, he underscored the need for sound governance and the safe utilization of groundwater, emphasizing that Egypt’s long-term water sustainability depends on a balanced approach to resource management.
This meeting reflects Egypt’s strategic prioritization of water as a vital national security issue. As the country faces increasing pressure from climate change and population growth, the leadership’s focus on innovation, infrastructure, and responsible management signals a decisive shift toward a more resilient and sustainable future.
