Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation will introduce a nationwide electronic licensing system for groundwater wells, aiming to improve oversight, promote modern irrigation, and accelerate the shift to solar-powered pumping amid rising water stress.
Egypt's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation has announced plans to implement an electronic licensing system for groundwater wells across the country. The move is intended to strengthen regulatory oversight of groundwater extraction, streamline licensing procedures, and encourage the adoption of modern irrigation and solar-powered pumping technologies.
Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam issued the directives during a recent review of groundwater management. The ministry is focusing on identifying wells and violations, enforcing removal orders, pursuing legal action against offenders, and collecting outstanding government dues related to groundwater use.
Digital Licensing to Enhance Oversight
The ministry stated that the new electronic system will be rolled out to all relevant departments, marking a step toward fully digitising the groundwater well licensing process. This will allow users to receive licensing decisions electronically, reducing administrative delays and improving service delivery. Officials also discussed plans to strengthen digital governance in the groundwater sector, aiming to enhance monitoring and regulatory capacity nationwide.
Promoting Modern Irrigation and Solar Energy
Minister Sewilam directed officials to promote the use of modern irrigation systems on farmland reliant on groundwater, with the goal of improving water-use efficiency. He also called for increased adoption of solar energy to power groundwater wells, a measure expected to lower operating costs and support Egypt's transition to cleaner energy sources.
Addressing Water Scarcity and Building Capacity
Egypt faces mounting pressure on its limited water resources as demand rises. The government's measures are part of broader efforts to improve water-use efficiency and strengthen monitoring and management. The ministry is also considering an awareness campaign to clarify groundwater regulations and plans to reinforce water-user associations. Additionally, intensive training will be provided for young ministry engineers through the Regional Training Center for Water Resources and Irrigation, aiming to develop technical expertise for the sector's future needs.
