Egypt steps up groundwater monitoring in South Sinai, reviews flood protection projects

Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has agreed with South Sinai Governorate to strengthen oversight of groundwater use, continue surveying unlicensed wells, and review flood protection and coastal development projects as part of broader efforts to safeguard water resources and support sustainable development. The measures were discussed during a meeting between Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam and South Sinai Governor Ismail Kamal, according to a ministry statement. Sewilam stressed that deep groundwater reserves must be managed according to scientific standards to prevent the depletion of non-renewable aquifers, underscoring the importance of enforcing regulations governing activities in coastal areas while continuing to expand flood protection projects across the governorate. The ministry said the meeting reviewed technical studies of groundwater aquifers in Abu Zenima, Saint Catherine, El Naqb, Nuweiba, Taba and the El Qa’a Plain, in addition to the findings of field surveys identifying unlicensed groundwater wells. The two sides agreed to continue surveying illegal wells and require their owners to complete licensing procedures in accordance with the applicable regulations. On flood protection, the ministry said 508 flood-control structures have been completed across South Sinai at a total cost of approximately EGP 3.2bn (around $65m), strengthening the governorate’s resilience against flash floods. The meeting also reviewed plans for additional flood protection works in the Wadi Feiran area and discussed a project to remove accumulated sediment from the Salaf Dam at the entrance to Wadi Salaf to improve its operational efficiency. The two sides also reviewed ongoing activities along South Sinai’s coastline, stressing the importance of complying with national coastal licensing requirements and shoreline setback regulations, particularly in the city of Dahab. According to the ministry, a joint committee comprising the Shore Protection Authority, South Sinai Governorate and the Ministry of Environment will oversee the technical and legal aspects of coastal development projects. The Shore Protection Authority will also review the status of beachfront cafés along Dahab’s promenade to ensure compliance with coastal protection regulations while preserving the city’s tourism appeal.