By Abbas Nazil
Egypt and Germany are advancing their cooperation on water management.
Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilem, has met with Mario Sander, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Department at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development to upscale the collaboration.
Their discussions centered on expanding bilateral initiatives, enhancing irrigation infrastructure, and addressing climate-related water challenges.
Egypt’s partnership with Germany has led to significant projects, including the second and third national drainage programs, the construction of key barrages at Assiut and Nag Hammadi, and irrigation development in the Delta.
Sweilem underscored Germany’s role in supporting the Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation.
Moving forward, both nations plan to collaborate on the Fourth National Drainage Program, coastal protection efforts, and the second phase of the Nile Delta Water Management Project.
A major focus of the discussions was the Fourth National Drainage Program, set to revamp covered drainage systems across 1.4 million acres.
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The meeting also reviewed a feasibility study for beach protection along 15 kilometers east of the Kitchener Drain outlet in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, a crucial step in mitigating coastal erosion and climate-related threats.
The officials examined the progress of the JISA Water System and Irrigation Project, which is financed by the German Development Bank (KfW).
They agreed to expand its scope to include rehabilitation of Ismailia Canal bridges and upgrades to water infrastructure in the eastern Khandaq and Marqus Coast canals, both critical components of the West Beheira Irrigation Department.
Additionally, they discussed water management improvements in the Qota Canal in Fayoum, covering modern irrigation techniques, canal rehabilitation, assessment of pumping stations, and agricultural drainage water reuse.
Another key topic was the upcoming second phase of the Nile Delta Water Management Program, which will focus on water balance studies, strategic planning for critical areas, infrastructure upgrades, and expanding agricultural drainage reuse.
The initiative will also include capacity-building efforts to enhance local expertise in water resource management.
Both countries committed to conducting technical studies on transitioning from flood irrigation to modern irrigation methods, considering environmental, economic, and social impacts.
Sweilem reaffirmed Egypt’s dedication to bolstering its partnership with Germany, particularly in tackling water and climate-related challenges.
He highlighted Germany’s ongoing support for the African Center for Water and Climate Adaptation (PACWA), which provides specialized training for African professionals in climate resilience and water management.
