Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilam met on Sunday representatives of the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), to discuss ways to enhance cooperation between the two sides in the field of water resources.
Sweilam referred to Egypt’s successful efforts to put water at the heart of global climate action through the activities of the Fifth Cairo Water Week and the COP27, inviting the Japanese side to support the international initiative for adaptation in the water sector, AWARe, which was launched by Egypt during the last climate conference, as well as participating in the activities of the CWW.
He also indicated that Egypt, in cooperation with Japan, chaired the “Third Interactive Dialogue on Water and Climate” during the activities of the “United Nations Water Conference” held last March, where global challenges were presented and the need to adopt a joint process to link and integrate water-related decisions in global agreements and frameworks was highlighted.
The minister pointed to the most prominent projects that were implemented in cooperation with the Japanese side, such as replacing the main water facilities located on Bahr Youssef, during which 6 barrages were constructed with a Japanese grant, and the project for the construction of the new Dayrout barrage which is currently being implemented.
Recently, an agreement was signed to start the implementation of the “Enhancing Water Productivity in Agriculture” project, in partnership with the government of Japan and the FAO, which aims to increase agricultural productivity for smallholders, use natural agricultural resources in a sustainable manner, and enhance the skills of small farmers in implementing smart water management practices.
A feasibility study is also underway to improve the management of water resources on Al-Qasid Canal in Gharbia Governorate and the Ibrahimia and Bahr Youssef canals in Minya, Beni Suef and Fayoum governorates, with a grant from the Japanese side, as the final report of the study is about to be completed.
A memorandum of understanding was also signed between the Department of Mechanics and Electricity of the ministry and the JICA regarding advisory work for the maintenance of pump stations in Egypt, which aims to raise the efficiency and capabilities of engineers and technicians of the Department of Mechanics and Electricity in the field of operation and maintenance of pump stations.
