Egypt allocates LE 325 M annually for water resource projects in New Valley

CAIRO - 21 November 2024: Hani Sweilam, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, held a meeting to review governance measures for groundwater management in the New Valley Governorate. Discussions focused on sustainable usage practices and the outcomes of a recent inspection visit by officials from the Groundwater and Irrigation Development sectors to assess model farms reliant on groundwater and their role in water conservation.

The minister emphasized the importance of adhering to regulations for efficient and sustainable groundwater management. He called for strict compliance with guidelines to ensure the responsible use of groundwater reserves and advocated for expanding modern irrigation systems in the New Valley to optimize water use. Efforts to survey groundwater wells will continue, alongside measures to address violations such as unauthorized drilling or over-extraction beyond permissible limits.

The ministry is working to establish comprehensive policies for groundwater development, usage, and protection. This includes setting regulations for its use, promoting conservation, and monitoring both the quantity and quality of groundwater reserves. Sweilam stressed the necessity of adhering to the 2021 Water Resources and Irrigation Law (Law No. 147), which outlines legal frameworks for managing this vital resource.

To enhance sustainability, the ministry continues to promote solar-powered groundwater wells, which align with the country’s renewable energy goals. Additionally, the ministry is moving toward a digital licensing system for groundwater wells to facilitate user interactions, improve transparency, and reduce corruption. Monthly meetings of the Supreme Committee for Licensing Groundwater Wells ensure streamlined operations, while measures are in place to address any violations.

The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects in the New Valley Governorate. These projects, which focus on efficient water management and sustainable agricultural development, receive an annual investment of approximately LE 325 million.

Osama El-Zaher, Head of the Groundwater Sector, and Engineer Mohamed Ibrahim, Head of the Irrigation Development Sector, recently conducted an inspection visit to the New Valley on November 14–15. The visit aimed to assess agricultural practices and evaluate development projects reliant on groundwater in Al-Kharga Oasis.

During the visit, officials inspected a farm managed by a young investor cultivating aromatic plants, prickly pear, and mulberry using advanced drip irrigation systems. They also held meetings with water user associations operating at several government-run wells in Al-Kharga Oasis.

Minister Sweilam stressed the importance of empowering water user associations to play a key role in managing groundwater resources. These associations are encouraged to work collaboratively with the ministry to ensure sustainable practices that preserve this critical and non-renewable resource.

The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation remains committed to improving groundwater governance, promoting sustainable water use practices, and supporting agricultural and developmental activities in arid regions like the New Valley Governorate.