Ashraf AboArafe
The European Union (EU) Delegation to Egypt in collaboration with the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) are marking the World Water Day 2023 on Sunday March 12 at Afla Gardens in Qanater under the theme “Accelerating Change” to solve water and sanitation problem.
The celebration at Afla will feature a high level panel discussion with the participation of Ambassador Christian Berger, Head of the European Union Delegation to Egypt, and the Minister of Water and Irrigation Dr. Hani Sewilam. The panel is expected to discuss EU-Egypt cooperation in the water sector and efforts underway to increase water sustainability in Egypt.
The adoption of contemporary irrigation technologies and water recycling were among the actions taken by the Egyptian government to preserve water and adapt to climate change which were highlighted by Ambassador Berger. He reaffirmed the EU’s ongoing assistance to Egypt’s water sector and emphasised that collaboration between the EU and Egypt in this area is a top priority.
According to Ambassador Berger, “During the last 15 years, the European Union has provided over EUR 550 million in grants to help Egypt overcome its water difficulties, generating EUR 3 billion in investments for the sector.
By generating 25,000 jobs for Egyptians, the investments have raised the standard of living for more than 20 million Egyptians, or one fifth of the population. Moreover, 600 thousand chances for temporary employment were made accessible. EU investments in wastewater treatment plants such as the Ard El-Liwa facility and the Helwan Wastewater Treatment Plant have made safe drinking water available to hundreds of thousands of Egyptian families.
H.E. Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Prof. Dr. Hani Sewilam meanwhile, stressed the significance of raising public awareness about the need to conserve water. “Water is a key for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, and for the health and prosperity of people and planet. Events like World Water Day and its activities can contribute to behavioral change in the society, making a difference in the way people use, consume and manage water.” Prof. Sewilam said.
As part of the commemoration of World Water Day, a youth workshop on climate change and sustainability as well as a number of theatrical productions to encourage water conservation are also planned. Heads of Mission from EU Member States, local officials, community members, youngsters who took part in the online water contests supported by the EU, and primary school students from a number of experimental schools in the Qanater district are also scheduled to attend.
