Egypt completes lining of 2K kilometers of irrigation canals

CAIRO – 17 July 2021: Egypt has completed the lining of 2,138 kilometers of irrigation canals in 20 governorates nationwide, said the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Saturday in a statement.

 

 

The Ministry is targeting to line 7,790 kilometers of canals for the first phase that is due to end by 2022 and worth LE18 billion (more than $1,14 billion).

 

 

The canal lining project is part of the National Project for Developing the Egyptian Countryside aimed at raising the quality of life of residents of rural areas. The lining of canals would enhance water management and distribution, ensure the delivery of water to the ends of canals, and inhibit pollution.

 

 

It is estimated that the lining project is to save 5 billion cubic meters in seepage losses.

 

 

On another level, the ministry is encouraging farmers to substitute modern irrigation systems for flood irrigation in order to rationalize water use. Modern irrigation systems have been introduced in 230,000 feddans and will be introduced in further 55,000 feddans as requested by agricultural landowners.