Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, has directed the ministry’s agencies to update preparedness plans for the 2026 peak summer water demand season, stressing the need for full operational readiness of irrigation and drainage systems and the use of modern monitoring technologies to ensure efficiency and service quality.
In a statement, the ministry said Sewilam chaired a meeting to review preparations for the upcoming summer season and instructed regional directorates to update comprehensive plans covering all water management activities. These include irrigation and drainage networks, pumping stations, intermediate mixing facilities, private canals, terminal outlets, intake gates, and control structures.
The minister called for clear, time-bound implementation schedules based on unified planning templates to ensure maximum readiness ahead of the period of highest water demand.
Sewilam also stressed the importance of strict quality control over canal and drain dredging works, with proper handover procedures in line with technical specifications. He underscored the role of central monitoring using satellite imagery and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) to enhance oversight and maximise the return on dredging investments.
In addition, the minister instructed the expedited completion of tendering procedures or in-house execution of dredging works in the Ismailia and North Ismailia districts, particularly along the Suez Canal feeder, to ensure all works are completed before peak demand begins.
He further tasked the Irrigation Authority, Drainage Authority, and the Mechanical and Electrical Department with submitting, within one week, detailed assessments of equipment conditions, maintenance requirements, pumping unit readiness, and staffing levels, to guarantee full preparedness and rapid response to any potential summer-related emergencies.
