South Sudan inaugurates Egypt-funded SOMBA groundwater station at University of Juba

CAIRO – 18 July 2026: South Sudan on July 16 inaugurated the Egypt-funded SOMBA Groundwater Station at the University of Juba, marking another step in bilateral cooperation on water resources and sustainable development.

The station was inaugurated by South Sudan's Minister of Water Resources, James Mawich Makuach, in the presence of Egypt's Ambassador to South Sudan Hazem Mamdouh and Shaaban Abu El-Fath, head of the Egyptian Irrigation Mission in South Sudan, along with officials from both countries.

The project was financed through an Egyptian grant as part of directives issued by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi to strengthen cooperation with Nile Basin countries and support sustainable development efforts aimed at improving living standards.

Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sweilem said the inauguration of the SOMBA station reflects the deep historical and fraternal ties between Egypt and South Sudan. He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to providing technical and development support to South Sudan in ways that promote sustainable development and improve public services.

Sweilem said the station represents an important addition to South Sudan's drinking water infrastructure, providing safe and clean drinking water to students and staff at the University of Juba as well as residents of nearby communities. He added that the project is expected to improve public health and environmental conditions while supporting the educational process.

He noted that cooperation between Egypt and South Sudan in the water sector has continued to expand through joint projects covering drinking water, water resources management, waterway rehabilitation, early warning and forecasting systems, as well as training and capacity-building programs.

According to Sweilem, the SOMBA station is part of a broader package of development projects implemented by Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation in South Sudan. These include the construction of 28 solar-powered groundwater stations, each serving more than 3,000 families.

Other projects include dredging works along the Bahr el Ghazal River in Bentiu, the construction of rainwater harvesting dams for use during droughts, the installation of water level and flow monitoring stations to support development studies, and the establishment of a forecasting center at South Sudan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The cooperation program also includes technical training, capacity building, and the exchange of expertise.

Sweilem added that all Egyptian-funded projects are accompanied by training programs for local technical staff to ensure efficient operation and maintenance, enhance sustainability, and maximize their long-term development impact.

He concluded by reaffirming Egypt's commitment to continuing technical support and knowledge transfer to South Sudan while expanding cooperation in the field of water resources in a manner that serves the interests of both countries and contributes to sustainable development and improved quality of life.