Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Aaty met with the ministry’s executive leadership, on Tuesday, to discuss the water situation in Egypt during the current flood season.
The follow up meeting addressed the expected high water levels along the River Nile, the methods of dealing with the current flood season, and the preparations for the rainy season and floods.
The meeting also reviewed updates on the projects implemented by the ministry, particularly the national project for the rehabilitation and lining of canals, and the nationwide switch to modern irrigation methods.
Abdel Aaty directed the heads of central departments to coordinate with Egypt’s governors and local authorities to ensure all precautionary measures are taken to deal with the expected high water levels in the River Nile.
He also directed for action to be taken to counter violations on all Egypt’s waterways, especially the River Nile and its two branches. The minister noted that those caught violating waterways will be presented to Egypt’s military prosecution for the appropriate legal action.
Abdel Aaty emphasised the importance of taking into account any impact that may occur on the islands along the River Nile. He directed for daily reports to be prepared on the lands and buildings affected by high water levels.
Egypt’s Mechanics and Electricity Authority will start operating its water lifting station at full capacity, and extend the station’s operating hours, to ensure the River Nile’s water levels are brought down to the lowest level possible. Emergency stations may also operate if necessary, in preparation for the season of torrents and rains.
On Monday, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation announced that it has notified the governorates through which the Damietta and Rosetta branches of the River Nile flow to evacuate illegal buildings that are threatened by the high water levels. The ministry added that flooding in these areas is normal, and happens frequently during the flood season.
