June 27, 2021 — The Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Mohamed Abdel Atty, who visited South Sudan earlier this week, signed a technical cooperation protocol to build a major dam in South Sudan’s Western Bhar el Ghazal region.
According to the Egyptian media, Egypt has agreed to construct the multi-purpose Wau Dam on Siwi River which flows through Bhar el Ghazal and Equatoria regions.
Siwi River is one of the tributaries of the Jur River which runs about 9 km south of the city of Wau, and Egypt believes that its construction will not affect the Nile water that Egypt dearly depends on.
The major dam will produce electricity but according to the Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sameh Shoukry, “this cooperation aims to solve drinking water problems and protect people from the dangers of floods.”
Speaking in South Sudan capital, Juba, on Thursday, June 24th, Hon. Atty reaffirm that Egypt has conducted feasibility studies to construct the dam with the help of the National Water Research Center.
The Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation further said with confidence that Egypt’s relationship with South Sudan will be continued for many years into the future, emphasizing that Cairo is ready to support many developmental projects in South Sudan.
“It is very important to have the river flowing smoothly to facilitate various infrastructure projects,” said Mohamed Abdel Atty,
In addition to constructing the multi-purpose Wau dam, the Minister who was on a four-day visit to South Sudan also confirmed that Egypt will clean up the Nile to ensure smooth flow of water to Cairo.
Since the recent floods started in 2020, the Nile has been congested and blocks in parts mostly around Ayod County by seaweeds, water Lilly, lettuces and plastic pollutants which are hindering the flow of water to Egypt.
“We need to sustain the flow of the river by removing aquatic plants from the waterways to ease the life of the people,” Mr. Abdel Atty said on June 24, 2021.
“We are now working on projects that will help people of South Sudan in seven states. Three states have security problems, we will also work there.” He added.
On Wednesday, the Egyptian Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources launched an underground water treatment plant.
Residents of Lemon Gaba area can now receive tapped water from a water treatment plant in Juba.
The plant consists of a well lying in a depth of 100 meters, a reservoir whose capacity is 36 cubic meters, and a pump powered by solar energy.
The Egyptian Minister also launched new clean drinking water underground treatment plant projects in Lemon Gaba area.
“We have been installing clean drinking water projects, dam projects to save water for the dry season. This is in the interest of the people.” Mohamed Abdel Aty.
The Egyptian Minister also said Egypt is working on more projects to construct water pumping stations, rainwater harvesting dams, river cleaning and flood control projects
“During the rainy season there is a lot of water, floods and during the dry season, there is no water. We, therefore, have to harvest water for the people so that they have it the whole year,” said Mr. Abdel Aty.
