Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam announced the modernization project for the New Esna Barrage, emphasizing its role in optimizing operation, control, and monitoring systems along the Nile. The project is part of the ministry's strategy to upgrade the barrages, ensuring their sustainability and extending their service life.
According to State Information Service Egypt, Sewilam outlined that the project integrates advanced technologies into the management of barrages, aligning with the water management system's second generation (2.0) objectives. The minister received a progress report on the project's second phase from Abeer Thabet, the Head of the Reservoirs and Major Barrages Sector, which focuses on improving the spillway's operational efficiency and the barrage's components.
The initiative aims to refine the performance of the New Esna Barrage spillway gates by enhancing monitoring and ensuring smooth, balanced movement and rapid control through modern systems. It also involves addressing electrical and mechanical issues, assessing metal components' condition, and supplying necessary spare parts for maintenance and repair.
These upgrades will enable precise water level control and optimize available water flows for power generation at the Esna Hydropower Station, as noted by Sewilam. The modernization works are intended to preserve water infrastructure, improve navigation lock efficiency, and enhance spillway gate performance.
Sewilam directed that the project adhere to its scheduled timeline, targeting completion by October 2026. The New Esna Barrage, with its 11-gate spillway, rockfill dam, navigation locks, and hydropower station, is a significant structure on the Nile, facilitating connectivity and river navigation.
Originally constructed in 1993, with an additional navigation lock added in 2008, the Esna Barrage has been pivotal in managing water discharges and supporting tourism and navigation between Luxor and Aswan. The ongoing project ensures the barrage's continued contribution to these functions while undergoing necessary maintenance and upgrades.