Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Suwailm, met with North Sinai Governor, Khalid Majawar, and his accompanying delegation to discuss the status of water projects in the governorate. The focus was on facilitating procedures for legalizing existing groundwater wells and regularizing their status to support the local population. The meeting aimed to address the specific challenges faced by North Sinai.
During the meeting, an agreement was reached to simplify the licensing procedures for groundwater wells, taking into account the unique circumstances of the governorate. The North Sinai Governorate, in coordination with the relevant authorities, will provide an official statement with the names of citizens using the lands for which well licenses are required. This will be accompanied by the governorate's approval for the licensing process.
Based on this agreement, the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will issue temporary licenses for groundwater wells for a one-year period, renewable annually. The licensing fees for a single well will start at 200 Egyptian pounds, with a maximum of 1000 pounds, payable once a year. This measure aims to encourage citizens to legalize their wells while ensuring compliance with regulations.
A one-month deadline has been set for citizens to submit license applications for the wells they use, along with the required legal documents. The governorate will urge citizens to expedite the licensing process and complete the necessary procedures during this period. Failure to comply will result in the implementation of legal measures.
The agreement also includes the collection of fees and financial dues for regularizing and legalizing the status of wells for those who have not previously paid these amounts. Citizens will be able to settle their status immediately after legalizing their wells. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation had previously exempted citizens in North Sinai from fees for renewing groundwater well licenses from 2013 to 2022.
The decision to grant a one-month deadline for legalizing groundwater wells reflects the government's efforts to balance the needs of the local population with the necessity of regulating water resources. By simplifying procedures and setting a reasonable fee structure, the government aims to encourage compliance and sustainable use of groundwater.
The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, in collaboration with the North Sinai Governorate, will oversee the implementation of this agreement. The process is expected to enhance the management of groundwater resources in the region, ensuring their sustainability for future generations while supporting the local community's needs.
Key points
- The Egyptian government has set a one-month deadline for citizens in North Sinai to legalize their groundwater wells.
- The licensing fees for groundwater wells will start at 200 Egyptian pounds, with a maximum of 1000 pounds per year.
- The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will issue temporary licenses for groundwater wells for a one-year period, renewable annually.
