Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said the inauguration of the SOMBA groundwater station at the University of Juba in South Sudan reflects the deep-rooted historical and brotherly ties between the two countries and underscores Egypt’s commitment to providing technical and development support to South Sudan to advance sustainable development and improve public services.
Sewilam’s remarks came after receiving a report from Aref Gharib, Head of the Nile Water Sector, on the opening of the groundwater station, which was funded through an Egyptian grant as part of directives from Egypt’s political leadership to strengthen cooperation with Nile Basin countries and support sustainable development and improve living standards.
The station was inaugurated by South Sudan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation James Mawich Makuach, in the presence of Egypt’s Ambassador to South Sudan Hazem Mamdouh, Head of the Egyptian Irrigation Mission in South Sudan Shaaban Aboul Fotouh, representing Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, as well as officials from both countries.
Sewilam said that the facility represents an important addition to South Sudan’s drinking water infrastructure, providing safe and clean water to students and staff at the University of Juba, as well as residents of surrounding communities, helping improve public health and environmental conditions while supporting the educational process.
The Egyptian-South Sudanese cooperation in water resources spans many years and continues to expand through joint projects covering drinking water supply, water resources management, rehabilitation of waterways, the establishment of a forecasting and early warning center, and training and capacity-building programs, the minister said.
He added that the cooperation reflects Egypt’s commitment to supporting development in Nile Basin countries based on the principle of mutual benefit.
Sewilam said that the project forms part of a broader framework of bilateral cooperation implemented by Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in South Sudan.
These initiatives include the construction of solar-powered groundwater drinking water stations, with 28 such stations completed to date, each serving more than 3,000 families.
Other projects include clearing works along the Bahr el Ghazal watercourse in Bentiu, constructing rainwater harvesting dams for use during drought periods, installing water level and discharge monitoring stations to collect data for development studies, establishing a forecasting center at South Sudan’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, and carrying out training, capacity-building, and technical knowledge exchange programs, the minister went on to say.
