Egypt opens groundwater station at University of Juba

Egypt has opened a new groundwater station at the University of Juba in South Sudan, marking a key step in bilateral cooperation between the two nations. The ceremony took place under the supervision of Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam, who praised the initiative as a reflection of the enduring friendship and collaboration between Egypt and South Sudan. The station, named SOMBA, was officially launched by South Sudan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, James Mawich Makuach, with the participation of several high-ranking officials from both countries. The groundwater station was funded through an Egyptian grant and aligns with directives from Egypt’s political leadership aimed at strengthening ties with other Nile Basin states. It is part of a larger effort to enhance sustainable development and public services in South Sudan. According to reports, the station will provide safe and clean water to students and staff at the University of Juba, as well as nearby communities, contributing to improved public health and environmental conditions. This initiative supports the educational mission of the university and enhances the quality of life for local residents. The inauguration ceremony included representatives from both governments, including Egypt’s Ambassador to South Sudan, Hazem Mamdouh, and the head of the Egyptian Irrigation Mission in South Sudan, Shaaban Aboul Fotouh. These officials emphasized the importance of continued cooperation in water resource management and development. The station is one of several similar projects being implemented by Egypt in South Sudan, focusing on improving access to clean water and promoting long-term sustainability. Egyptian-South Sudanese cooperation in water resources dates back many years and has expanded significantly over time. Joint efforts have included the construction of drinking water stations, rehabilitation of waterways, and the establishment of forecasting and early warning centers. Training and capacity-building programs have also been integral to these collaborations, ensuring that local experts can manage and maintain critical infrastructure. The current groundwater station is part of this broader framework, reinforcing Egypt’s role as a partner in advancing water security and development in the region. In his remarks, Sewilam highlighted the significance of the project within the context of broader bilateral cooperation. He noted that the station contributes to the overall goal of enhancing public services and improving living standards in South Sudan. Additionally, he pointed out that the initiative is aligned with the principles of mutual benefit, underscoring Egypt’s commitment to supporting development in neighboring countries. The project also serves as a model for future collaborations, demonstrating how shared resources and expertise can lead to tangible improvements in water access and management. Other ongoing initiatives include the construction of solar-powered groundwater stations, with 28 already completed, each capable of serving over 3,000 families. Additional efforts involve clearing works along the Bahr el Ghazal watercourse in Bentiu, building rainwater harvesting dams for drought resilience, and installing monitoring stations to gather essential data for development planning. These projects collectively aim to build resilient water systems and ensure reliable access to clean water for communities across South Sudan. The success of these endeavors highlights the potential for sustained collaboration between Egypt and South Sudan in addressing pressing water-related challenges.