Egypt keen to support water infrastructure projects in South Sudan: Irrigation minister

South Sudanese Irrigation Minister Pal Mai Deng, third from right, attending the joint technical committee with Egypt's Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Hani Sewliam in Cairo on Tuesday (Photo courtesy of Egyptian Irrigation Ministry)

The projects include constructing rainwater reservoirs, installing gauging and discharge stations, and establishing flood forecasting and early warning centres, Minister Sewliam added.

Sewliam made his remarks during the wrap-up meeting of the Egypt-South Sudan technical committee in Cairo, where he met with his South Sudanese counterpart Pal Mai Deng.

Minister Deng emphasized his country's interest in carrying out joint development projects that directly benefit the citizens during the meeting.

Both ministers affirmed the necessity of reciprocal visits at both ministerial and technical levels to enhance the ties of cooperation and integration, noted the statement.

A delegation of Egyptian technical experts is set to visit South Sudan to identify the most needed projects to meet the needs of the citizens there, according to the statement.

The Egypt-South Sudan technical committee was formed based on the 'Technical and Development Cooperation agreement signed between both nations in November 2014.

In June, both ministers met in Cairo to review the progress of joint water resources development projects. 

During the meeting, Sewilam highlighted Egypt's efforts to support development projects in Nile Basin countries, such as the groundwater drinking water stations, which include eight projects dedicated to South Sudan.

In recent years, Egypt has made considerable efforts to support water infrastructure projects in South Sudan. 

These efforts include the construction of groundwater drinking water stations and the establishing of 13 groundwater plants to connect major cities and villages in South Sudan.

Leveraging its technical expertise, Egypt contributes to several projects to achieve sustainable development and help raise the standard of living of African citizens.