Irrigation Minister Calls for Coordination on Joint Operation of Shaloufa Stations 1 and 2

The directive comes as part of the minister’s field visits to provinces to assess the water system during peak demand periods.

Upon arrival, Minister Dr. Suwailem was welcomed by Major General Hani Rashad, Governor of Suez.

Dr. Suwailem, accompanied by Governor Rashad, inspected the dredging and cleaning operations of the Suez Canal from kilometer 50 to its end, as well as the Shaloufa Canal and Shaloufa Station 1 located along the canal.

He emphasized the need for ongoing coordination to establish a joint operational mechanism between Shaloufa Stations 1 and 2, highlighting that significant works and supplies have been implemented at a total cost of approximately 100 million Egyptian pounds to ensure the readiness of the Shaloufa stations.

Additionally, he urged for continued removal operations concerning illegal water extraction, coordinating with the Suez Governorate to confiscate unauthorized machinery along the Shaloufa Canal.

In line with previous directives regarding areas affected by agricultural drainage water accumulation, he listened to explanations from specialized engineers about the nature of the issue and technical proposals for addressing it based on a study conducted by the National Water Research Center. He also took note of feedback from local residents and farmers.

The minister instructed that studies and technical proposals be prepared to sustainably address agricultural drainage water accumulation issues. This includes examining the implementation of a covered drainage network in coordination between ministry agencies and the governorate for an area covering 6,500 acres in Shaloufa.

Regarding dredging and cleaning operations, he directed that dredging outputs be continuously removed from canal embankments without obstructing citizens’ movement or blocking roads, in coordination with local authorities.

He stressed the importance of removing any fill near station intakes along the Shaloufa Canal to restore its designed cross-section.