Cairo: Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam has approved the final outputs and roadmap for activating the Central Department for Non-Conventional Water Resources, describing it as a key executive tool to maximize the use of available water resources and support the pillars of the Second Generation of the Egyptian Water System 2.0 initiative. The announcement came during a meeting with the ministry's technical committee and specialists, where Sewilam stated that the activation of the department represents an important institutional step in line with a decision by the ministry's Policy Committee.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the move reflects a clear strategy to institutionalize the management of non-conventional water resources and integrate them into Egypt's national water balance. This initiative supports water treatment and desalination efforts under the Egyptian Water System 2.0 framework, alongside digitalization, governance, and improved water-use efficiency. The minister outlined that the department's responsibilities will include preparing advanced plans and studies for the reuse of treated agricultural drainage water, expanding the use of brackish and seawater desalination technologies for agricultural purposes, developing rainwater and flash flood harvesting systems, and promoting the use of greywater while applying environmental standards and technical specifications to ensure water quality and operational efficiency.
The meeting reviewed the department's Concept Note and Roadmap, prepared based on scientific studies examining the latest international practices in water treatment, desalination, and reuse. These documents have been tailored to Egypt's hydrological and environmental conditions while ensuring coordination with the ministry's various sectors and relevant authorities, avoiding overlaps in responsibilities. Participants discussed the findings of a committee formed under Ministerial Decree No. 151 of 2026 to assess the department's organizational structure and mandate.
The committee worked for 36 days, holding five intensive meetings with 15 members from specialized entities inside and outside the ministry, along with academics and experts from Ain Shams University, Zewail City, the American University in Cairo, and the Ministry of Agriculture. This collaboration was aimed at enriching technical discussions and refining the proposed institutional framework. The proposed structure includes three specialized general departments: the General Department for Technical Planning and Studies, the General Department for Project Development and Implementation, and the General Department for Project Quality and Performance Efficiency. Additionally, a department for Technical Coordination and Institutional Relations is included to strengthen governance and inter-agency cooperation.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Sewilam directed the immediate launch of executive procedures to activate the department in coordination with the Central Agency for Organization and Administration, providing the necessary technological capabilities, technical support, and specialized personnel. He emphasized the importance of continued coordination among the ministry's sectors and relevant bodies to enhance the ministry's capacity to protect water resources and maximize their efficient use. This move aligns with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation's broader strategy to adopt proactive and integrated water resources management, strengthen water security, and expand reliance on non-conventional water resources as a key approach to addressing water challenges and achieving sustainable development.