Egyptian Deputy Housing Minister for Utilities Ahmed Emran conducted a comprehensive tour of the Red Sea governorate to inspect the operation and maintenance of water and wastewater systems. The tour was carried out in accordance with directives from Housing Minister Randa El-Manshawi to monitor the efficiency of water and wastewater services. Emran was accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including Mustafa El-Shimi, chairman of the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater.
The delegation began their tour in the city of Safaga, where they inspected the Safaga water desalination plant, which has a capacity of 7,000 cubic meters per day. They reviewed the plant's operation, water production stages, and periodic maintenance plans. The officials also visited the site of the new Safaga water desalination plant, which will have a capacity of 30,000 cubic meters per day. The new plant is part of the state's plan to expand seawater desalination projects in coastal governorates.
Emran emphasized the importance of accelerating the implementation of projects according to specified timelines while ensuring energy efficiency and optimal use of allocated lands. He also highlighted the need to benefit from modern technologies to achieve the highest operational and economic efficiency in desalination plants. The delegation then inspected the tertiary treatment plant in Safaga, which has a capacity of 90,000 cubic meters per day.
The officials reviewed the various components of the plant and its operation, as well as the use of treated wastewater for irrigating tree forests. They emphasized the importance of adhering to standard measures in treatment processes to protect the environment and maximize the use of water resources. The delegation also inspected the General Administration for Laboratories and Quality, which is responsible for monitoring water quality and conducting regular analyses.
The tour continued with a visit to the new Dahar water pumping station, which includes two 10,000 cubic meter tanks, an administrative building, and a maintenance workshop. The officials reviewed the station's operation and control room, as well as measures to secure and stabilize water supplies to areas served by the station. The station serves over 25% of the daily water needs of Hurghada city.
The delegation also inspected the El-Yusr water desalination plant, which has a production capacity of 80,000 cubic meters per day. They reviewed the plant's operation, control room, and production rates, as well as measures to maintain the plant's efficiency and stabilize drinking water supplies to Hurghada residents. Mustafa El-Shimi emphasized the importance of field monitoring to ensure the efficiency of stations and networks.
El-Shimi and other officials stressed the need for continuous monitoring of water quality, implementation of preventive maintenance plans, and optimal use of energy. They also highlighted the importance of coordination between relevant parties to implement projects according to specified timelines and technical specifications. The tour included inspections of wastewater treatment plants and customer service centers.
Key points
- Deputy Housing Minister Ahmed Emran inspects water and wastewater systems in Red Sea governorate
- Officials emphasize importance of energy efficiency and optimal use of allocated lands in desalination plants
- Tour aims to ensure efficiency of water and wastewater services and identify areas for improvement
