Minister: High Dam a cornerstone of Egypt's water security

CAIRO – 10 July 2026: Dr. Hani Sweilem, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, met with Dr. Mohamed Rushdi, Chairman of the High Dam and Aswan Reservoir Authority, discussing the implementation status of several strategic projects and ongoing efforts to enhance the High Dam's management and operational efficiency, with the aim of strengthening its resilience in addressing current and future challenges.

The Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, met also with Mustafa Senousi, Director General of the Minister's Office for Nile and International Water Affairs, to review progress in modernizing the management and operation system of the High Dam and Aswan Reservoir.

Modernizing the High Dam's Management System

Dr. Sweilem stressed that the High Dam will continue to serve as a cornerstone of Egypt's water security. He reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to continuously upgrading its management and operation system by adopting the latest technologies and digital solutions to improve the efficiency of the national water system and its capacity to respond to diverse hydrological conditions and the impacts of climate change.

The meeting reviewed progress in upgrading the High Dam's monitoring and measurement system under the second-generation Egyptian Water System 2.0 initiative. The modernization includes advanced monitoring equipment, enhanced measurement systems, and improved real-time data collection and analysis capabilities. These upgrades are expected to provide decision-makers with more accurate information and further improve the efficiency of the High Dam's operation.

Participants also reviewed progress on the project to increase the discharge capacity of the Toshka Canal and Spillway, including implementation and completion rates. The project is regarded as a strategic investment that will enhance the flexibility of Egypt's water management system and strengthen its preparedness to respond to varying hydrological conditions.

In addition, the meeting discussed the joint research project to develop a decision support system for High Dam operations. The initiative includes the development of advanced analytical models and decision-support tools to improve long-term water resources planning and identify optimal operational scenarios. These efforts are expected to support the work of the River Flow Committee and further enhance the operational efficiency of the High Dam.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Sweilem directed all relevant Ministry entities to maintain close coordination and accelerate the implementation of modernization programs in line with established timelines. He also emphasized the importance of continuously improving monitoring and operational systems to ensure that the High Dam continues to play its vital role in safeguarding Egypt's water security and supporting the sustainable management of the country's water resources.