South Sudan is seeking technical expertise to improve its management of water resources and address development needs. The country's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation aims to strengthen its capacity to manage water resources, address recurrent floods, and improve water supplies. Sultan Lam Tungwar Kueigwong, undersecretary at the Ministry, emphasized the need for modern tools for flood forecasting, groundwater assessment, and water quality monitoring.
The ninth Cairo Water Week, which opened on October 25, provided a platform for South Sudan to share its experience and build partnerships. Tungwar spoke at the event, highlighting the country's interest in strengthening Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and deploying modern tools for water management. The event, themed "Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet," brought together Nile Basin countries to debate the management of shared water resources.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi addressed the opening of Cairo Water Week, emphasizing the need for cooperation based on international law and consultation. He stated that Nile Basin countries had a right to development but should not compromise the water security of other states. El-Sisi's remarks come amid a longstanding dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Egypt has approved South Sudan's proposed Fulla hydropower dam, following a review of technical studies. Egyptian Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said in September that the project's expected impact was limited and manageable. The proposed dam, located near Nimule in Eastern Equatoria State, aims to increase South Sudan's electricity generation.
South Sudan's water management priorities also include developing infrastructure to support agriculture and electricity generation. The Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation is preparing the country's participation in the United Nations Water Conference, scheduled for December 8 to 10 in Abu Dhabi. The conference, co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal, will focus on accelerating Sustainable Development Goal 6.
Tungwar emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue, technical cooperation, and partnership for sustainable development. He stated that South Sudan's position has always been to learn, share experience, and build genuine partnerships. The country's participation in international water conferences aims to accelerate progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 6.
The United Nations Water Conference will provide a platform for South Sudan to link innovation with investment and focus on ensuring access to water and sanitation for all. The country's water management plans are critical to addressing development needs and mitigating the impact of climate change. Egypt's support for the Fulla Dam project is seen as a positive step toward enhancing cooperation between the two countries.
Key points
- Egypt has approved South Sudan's proposed Fulla hydropower dam project.
- South Sudan seeks technical expertise to improve flood forecasting and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- The country's water management priorities include addressing recurrent floods, improving water supplies, and developing infrastructure to support agriculture and electricity generation.
