On March 25, 2025, Dr. Hani Sewilam, the Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources, convened a crucial meeting to evaluate the current water resources in Fayoum Governorate and strategize for the forthcoming peak in water demand. The meeting brought together experts and officials to thoroughly review the water balance and the effectiveness of irrigation systems in the region, underlining the government's commitment to ensuring adequacy in water supply amidst growing agricultural needs.
A significant focus of the meeting included an assessment of irrigation advancements within Fayoum, particularly the total areas under irrigation. The governorate boasts a total of 276,000 feddans (approximately 115,000 hectares) serviced by underground drainage networks, and another 29,000 feddans by surface and groundwater irrigation. Dr. Sewilam emphasized, "This structured management of water resources is critical for sustaining agricultural productivity during peak seasons."
Moreover, the minister informed attendees about the ongoing initiatives aimed at improving water quality in Lake Qarun. Efforts to enhance the lake's ecological health have led to notable improvements, positively impacting fisheries and local economies reliant on these resources.
During the gathering, the ministry's irrigation and drainage efforts were demonstrated with substantial figures, showcasing a total of 1,800 irrigation projects and 643 drainage projects initiated across Fayoum. Dr. Sewilam reiterated the importance of modernizing these systems, stating, "Continuous enhancement of our irrigation infrastructure is vital for overcoming the challenges imposed by climate change and land pressures." This modernization includes implementing new technologies and practices that are geared towards optimizing water use efficiency.
The meeting also informed stakeholders about the transition to computerized data registration for irrigation operations, which aims to streamline processes and enhance monitoring capability. There is also ongoing coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture, focusing on observing the irrigation of special crops that benefit from treated water systems. "This integration is essential for maximizing resource efficiency and ensuring sustainable practices in agriculture," Sewilam added.
Another point of discussion involved the significant achievement of clearing 4,230 kilometers of canals to prepare them for irrigation purposes. The minister shared that the ongoing maintenance of 132 main irrigation gates in the governorate is also progressing, with repairs on two gates underway, ensuring the operational integrity of the irrigation systems.
As part of the governorate's strategic planning, preparations for the rehabilitation and renewal of filtration stations are in progress, backed by an investment of 21 million Egyptian pounds. These steps are aimed at supporting the hydraulic efficiency essential for major water projects in the area.
Addressing encroachments remains a priority, with 77 encroachments identified and removed during the ongoing removal efforts known as waves 24 and 25. Legal actions are being executed against further encroachments on sensitive water bodies, including Lake Moaz, which necessitates regulatory compliance to safeguard these vital resources.
The minister also touched upon the initiatives for modern irrigation systems in sandy terrains throughout the governorate. Effective implementation of these initiatives is poised to enhance land productivity, particularly during periods of water scarcity.
One of the major developments discussed was the implementation of an agricultural drainage network in the Quta region. This infrastructure improvement aims to optimize drainage and ensure water management systems adapt to the increased agricultural demands expected in the coming months.
Additionally, the proposed alteration of barriers on Bahr al-Falaha seeks to further enhance water distribution efficiency across irrigation channels. Dr. Sewilam mentioned, "These efforts will significantly bolster our capability to manage water resources effectively, particularly during peak demand phases."
To facilitate these advancements, legal measures to operate and maintain lift stations on the Western Delta Canal are currently in deliberation, providing essential service to multiple regional canals including Bahr al-Baqar and Abu Danqash. This comprehensive approach is designed to ensure that neighboring communities benefit from adequate irrigation services.
The minister concluded the meeting with a forward-looking statement, emphasizing the importance of enhancing human resource capabilities within the Ministry of Water Resources. Plans to redistribute staff for maximum efficacy across departments are underway, intending to not only improve operational efficiency but also incentivize non-traditional excellence among employees in Fayoum.
As these initiatives are rolled out, the government aims to consolidate its water resource management framework, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and supporting the livelihoods of local communities reliant on effective irrigation practices.
