Cairo: Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilam, convened a meeting to discuss governance measures for managing groundwater in the New Valley Governorate. The focal points of the meeting included sustainable usage practices and insights from a recent inspection visit by officials from the Groundwater and Irrigation Development sectors to evaluate model farms that rely on groundwater for water conservation.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the minister highlighted the importance of adhering to regulations for efficient and sustainable groundwater management. Sweilam called for strict compliance with guidelines to ensure responsible groundwater usage and advocated for expanding modern irrigation systems in the New Valley to optimize water use. Efforts will continue to survey groundwater wells and address violations such as unauthorized drilling or over-extraction beyond permissible limits.
The ministry is working towards establishing comprehensive policies for groundwater
development, usage, and protection, including setting regulations, promoting conservation, and monitoring the quantity and quality of groundwater reserves. Sweilam emphasized the necessity of adhering to the 2021 Water Resources and Irrigation Law (Law No. 147), which provides the legal framework for managing this vital resource.
To enhance sustainability, the ministry promotes solar-powered groundwater wells, aligning with Egypt’s renewable energy goals. Additionally, the ministry is transitioning to 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, and measures are in place to address any violations.
The meeting also reviewed the progress of ongoing projects in the New Valley Governorate, which focus on efficient water management and sustainable agricultural development. These initiatives receive an annual investment of approx
imately LE 325 million.
Osama El-Zaher, Head of the Groundwater Sector, and Engineer Mohamed Ibrahim, Head of the Irrigation Development Sector, 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 emphasized the importance of empowering water user associations to play a key role in managing groundwater resources. These associations are encouraged to collaborate 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, promot
ing sustainable water use practices, and supporting agricultural and developmental activities in arid regions like the New Valley Governorate.