Sisi orders setting of plan to solve navigational problems in winter

CAIRO – 28 December 2017: President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi reviewed the measures taken to overcome navigational problems that occurred due to the low levels of Nile water during winter, particularly in Luxor and Aswan, with acting Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and a number of ministers, presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said.

Sisi ordered enhancing the coordination between the ministers and the concerned agencies to set a plan that preserves the smooth navigation of the river Nile. The plan should include systematic cleansing of the river as well as the setting of guidance signs.

Minister of Tourism Yahia Rashed presented a report about his recent visit to Aswan and pointed out that there is coordination with the concerned agencies to avoid any negative impacts on Nile tourism. He asserted that river navigation between Luxor and Aswan has resumed.

Rashed also affirmed that there is continuous communication and coordination among the ministries of irrigation and transport in addition to local authorities in Luxor and Aswan to address any problems in this context. He pointed out that Nile tourism is an important component, and that the number of vessels that have been exposed to navigation recently does not exceed 5 percent of the vessels.

On his part, Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Abdel-Ati presented a report on the procedures taken annually by the minister to facilitate river navigation during the winter season. He said that the minister declared each year the expected times for such low levels of water so that the vessels in the Nile River can take the necessary precautions and adhere to specific navigational routes.

Abdel-Ati also asserted that the Ministry of Irrigation coordinates with the Ministries of Transport and Tourism in order to solve any problems that occurred during the winter season.