Cairo: Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has approved a new regulatory framework for Water Users Associations (WUAs) and their national federation, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the government and farmers and enhance participatory management of irrigation and drainage networks.According to State Information Service Egypt, the ministry stated that the bylaw, reviewed during a meeting chaired by Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam with representatives of the general federation of water users' associations, is part of efforts to implement water resources and irrigation law No. 147 of 2021 and increase farmers' involvement in water governance.Under the framework, WUAs will operate as non-profit legal entities with mandatory membership for beneficiaries and elected boards serving four-year terms. The associations will help oversee water distribution, network maintenance, encroachment management, and the adoption of modern irrigation systems.The ministry stated that the measures are designed to improve water-use efficiency, support the sustainability of Egypt's water resources, and enhance services provided to beneficiaries. The bylaw also introduces mechanisms for dispute resolution among water users and outlines the role of the national federation in capacity building, planning, and coordination with government agencies on water resource management.