Cairo: The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has released a statement addressing the current state of water resources in Egypt, emphasizing the potential risks posed by the operations of the Ethiopian Dam. This announcement comes as part of the ministry's ongoing efforts to enhance transparency and reaffirm its commitment to safeguarding Egypt's water interests.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the Ministry has initiated development works on the Toshka Canal as part of a broader strategy aimed at strengthening the water system and mitigating potential emergencies. This initiative is particularly significant in light of the irregular operations of the Ethiopian Dam, which has been a longstanding concern for Egypt due to the potential for abrupt changes in water flow from the upper Nile.
The ministry's concerns were validated recently when Ethiopia's management of the dam resulted in the sudden release of substantial water volumes into downstream countries, causing significant impacts. In response, the ministry is actively engaged in a comprehensive development plan to enhance the water system's resilience. This includes updating the operating system and improving the Toshka Canal's capacity to ensure the High Dam's operational stability and safety.
Decisions regarding the water system's operation are made by the river revenue committee, which consists of experts and scientists specializing in various fields such as water resource management, hydrology, and climate change monitoring. The committee employs modern hydrological forecasts and real-time monitoring to make informed decisions, ensuring optimal water use and immediate responsiveness to any sudden shifts in river inflows.
The Ministry underscores that the Egyptian State is vigilantly monitoring the water situation, maintaining full coordination among state bodies to implement necessary technical and regulatory measures. This coordinated effort aims to protect Egypt's water resources and uphold its long-standing rights to the Nile River.