Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has instructed regional water authorities to update preparedness plans for the summer 2026 season to ensure full readiness ahead of peak water demand.

According to State Information Service Egypt, the directives were issued during a meeting with senior ministry officials. These include setting clear timelines for irrigation, drainage, pumping stations, and water control infrastructure, as well as ensuring the quality and timely completion of canal cleaning works.

Sewilam also ordered closer central monitoring of maintenance works using satellite imagery and drones, and called for faster completion of canal desilting in the Ismailia and North Ismailia areas before the start of the summer season.

The minister further asked key agencies to submit, within a week, assessments of equipment conditions, maintenance needs, and the readiness of pumping units and technical staff, to ensure the system can handle any emergencies during the period of maximum water requirements.