Egypt's former Water Resources Minister Mahmoud Abu Zeid has raised concerns over Ethiopia's plans to build three new dams on the Nile River, in addition to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). According to Abu Zeid, these projects are part of a long-standing Ethiopian strategy dating back to the 1960s and may be used as tools to pressure Egypt. He noted that Egypt is monitoring the situation and will be aware of any actual moves to implement these projects.
Abu Zeid emphasized that the announcement of new dam projects does not necessarily mean immediate implementation, as building a dam requires years of preparation and procedures. He stressed that Egypt will not stand idly by if these dams affect its share of the Nile's waters. The country is studying various scenarios to mitigate the impact on its water supply, particularly during periods of low floodwaters.
The former minister highlighted the risks associated with the dams, which go beyond their construction to include the timing of water storage and the amount of water impounded. He noted that the real challenge lies in extended droughts, which can exacerbate the impact of the dams on Egypt's water supply. Abu Zeid called for preparedness and planning to address these potential challenges.
Abu Zeid explained that during periods of high floodwaters, Ethiopia's ability to impound water is reduced, as it is forced to release excess water to prevent dam overflow. Conversely, during periods of low floodwaters and drought, managing water storage and discharge becomes crucial in determining the potential impact on the Nile's flow into Egypt.
The former minister stressed the importance of proactive planning to address potential water crises, including the construction of new dams or extended droughts. He advocated for developing clear scenarios to manage all possible situations, allowing for timely responses to emerging challenges and minimizing risks to Egypt's water security.
According to Abu Zeid, early planning enables Egypt to prepare for potential changes in the Nile's water flows and address risks before they escalate. He emphasized that Egypt must be vigilant and proactive in managing its water resources, given the challenges posed by Ethiopia's dam projects.
Egypt's water security is a pressing concern, with the country's share of the Nile's waters potentially affected by Ethiopia's dam projects. The situation requires careful monitoring and proactive planning to mitigate potential risks and ensure a stable water supply.
Key points
- Egypt's former Water Resources Minister Mahmoud Abu Zeid warns of potential threats from Ethiopia's new dam projects on the Nile River.
- The projects are part of a long-standing Ethiopian strategy to pressure Egypt over the Nile's waters.
- Egypt is studying scenarios to mitigate the impact on its water supply and is calling for proactive planning to address potential water crises.
