Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam underscored the importance of developing a comprehensive assessment of Egypt's water-lifting station network and improving its operational performance through the preparation of a strategic plan to guide the management of lifting stations nationwide.According to State Information Service Egypt, the plan is intended to help decision-makers establish priorities for rehabilitation, replacement, and maintenance based on clearly defined technical criteria, Sewilam said. The minister received a report from Ismail Abdel Baqi, head of the Mechanical and Electrical Department, on the progress of construction works at the Al-Nasr 5 Pumping Station in Beheira governorate.The station, which will serve an area of 170,000 feddans, has reached 65 percent completion, with trial operations scheduled to begin on May 1, 2027. Sewilam directed that construction works proceed in accordance with the approved schedule.He also ordered the continued implementation o f maintenance, replacement, and rehabilitation programs at pumping stations nationwide by the Mechanical and Electrical Department, alongside measures being undertaken by other ministry agencies. The measures are aimed at ensuring that Egypt's water management and distribution system maintains the capacity needed to meet the water requirements of all beneficiaries throughout the summer season.The Mechanical and Electrical Department is one of the key agencies of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, playing a vital role in the efficient management of the country's water system and in ensuring that the water needs of all beneficiaries are met. The department oversees 598 pumping stations comprising 2,250 pumping units, as well as three major agricultural drainage-water treatment plants: New Delta, Bahr El-Baqar, and Al-Mahsama.