Egypt's Irrigation Minister advances water management and coastal protection

Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hany Sweilem, is overseeing several key initiatives aimed at improving water management, environmental stability, and coastal protection.

In terms of digital transformation, the Ministry is implementing a rotation system and a new crop forecasting tool. This tool uses economic, social, climatic, and water-based criteria to identify crop types and areas, allowing for more accurate estimation of water needs and improved distribution via mobile applications.

In Siwa Oasis, efforts are underway to restore environmental balance by managing groundwater levels. Recent progress includes the completion of the Ghazalat pumping station and the installation of polyethylene piping networks to transport water from deep wells to local reservoirs. The Ministry is also working to close unauthorized shallow wells to prevent groundwater depletion.

Additionally, the Ministry is conducting feasibility studies to protect vulnerable coastal areas in the Nile Delta using eco-friendly, natural materials. Field visits have been conducted at priority sites, including areas near the Rosetta and Damietta branches, to develop sustainable solutions against sea-level rise and coastal erosion caused by climate change.