In a recent move, Egypt's Minister of Justice issued a decision granting some staff members of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation the powers of judicial officers. The decision, numbered 5455 of 2026, was published in the official Egyptian Gazette on November 2, 2026. This move aims to enhance the enforcement of laws related to the protection of the Nile River and waterways from pollution.
The decision allows the designated staff members to exercise the powers of judicial officers within their respective jurisdictions. They will be responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes related to the violation of the laws on the protection of the Nile River and waterways from pollution, as well as the law on water resources and irrigation. The staff members will be able to take legal actions, including filing reports and collecting evidence.
The decision is based on Article 23 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which permits the authorization of certain employees as judicial officers for crimes committed within their areas of competence and related to their job functions. The Minister of Justice relied on this article, as well as the laws on the protection of the Nile River and water resources, to issue the decision.
The decision only applies to the specific staff members listed in the decree and does not automatically extend to all employees of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. The list of authorized staff members can be accessed through a provided link. The decision also cites previous decrees by the Minister of Justice and correspondence with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
The move is seen as a step to strengthen the enforcement of laws related to water resources and irrigation in Egypt. The country has been working to improve its water management and protect its waterways from pollution. The granting of judicial powers to some water ministry staff is expected to enhance the government's efforts in this regard.
The decision has been made to ensure the effective implementation of laws and regulations related to water resources and irrigation. It is also aimed at combating water-related crimes and protecting the Nile River and waterways from pollution. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has been working closely with the Ministry of Justice to implement this decision.
The Egyptian government has been taking measures to improve the management of its water resources and protect the environment. The granting of judicial powers to some water ministry staff is part of these efforts. The government is working to ensure the sustainable use of water resources and protect the Nile River and waterways for future generations.
Key points
- The Egyptian Justice Minister has granted judicial powers to some staff members of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation to investigate and prosecute water-related crimes.
