Beheira: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam held discussions with Beheira Governor Jacqueline Azer regarding the preparedness of the irrigation and drainage system for the peak water demand season. The discussions were centered around ensuring efficient water management and delivery to the tail ends of canals.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the meeting marked the commencement of the minister's visit to the governorate to evaluate the water system's condition. The focus was on collaboration between the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation and the Beheira governorate to oversee canal and drain maintenance work. This included enhancing the efficiency of waterways and removing obstacles such as waste accumulation or dredging residues that could hinder water flow.
Sewilam instructed immediate coordination with the governorate to clear accumulated dredging materials and set a one-year timetable for their complete removal. He also emphasized the need for vehicles to urgently transport dredging waste from the Etay El-Baroud drain. Efforts to tackle waste build-up at multiple sites, including the Al-Hagarsa canal, were also prioritized.
During his visit, the minister inspected a site dedicated to collecting floating weeds on the Tawfiki Rayah, also known as the Tawfiqiyya Canal, and reviewed dredging activities on the Sahel Marqas canal, which are funded by a German development bank loan. He underscored the importance of collaborating with the governorate on canal landscaping and tree-planting efforts. Sewilam mentioned a joint committee with the Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation to select suitable plant species for canal banks, aligned with rehabilitation and lining projects.
Sewilam also pointed out the significance of rewarding high-performing field staff with exceptional performance bonuses for their dedication to operating and maintaining the water system. Governor Jacqueline Azer highlighted that the end of the Beheira Rayah system is a crucial point in the governorate's irrigation network. It serves as a vital monitoring site for water delivery to canal tail ends and supports significant agricultural areas in Etay El-Baroud and nearby districts.
Governor Azer emphasized ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to continue canal and drain maintenance work, which is vital for enhancing waterway efficiency and removing any barriers affecting water flow. This collaboration supports the stability of the irrigation system and the agricultural sector in the governorate.
The minister's itinerary includes visits to several critical sites in Beheira's irrigation and drainage system, including the end of the Beheira Rayah in Etay El-Baroud, mechanical and electrical pumping stations, Edco Barrages, and coastal protection works, along with reinforcing the Rashid seawall in Kafr El-Sheikh. This visit is part of Egypt's Water Resources System 2.0 implementation, focusing on governance, smart management, and infrastructure rehabilitation through regular field monitoring and improved technical and operational readiness during the summer season.