
GERD delay poses imminent threat to Egypt and Sudan, Egyptian expert warns
This delay has sparked serious concerns in Egypt and Sudan regarding water management as the rainy season approaches.
Experts fear it could lead to the waste of enormous quantities of water without any tangible benefit – particularly critical for Egypt, which relies on the Nile River for 95 percent of its water needs.
The Egyptian geological expert confirmed that satellite imagery indicates a slight decrease of four billion cubic meters in the GERD's reservoir since September 5, 2024.
The lake's water level has dropped by approximately two meters, reaching 636 meters above sea level, with a total storage of 56 billion cubic meters.
In a post on his official Facebook account, the expert attributed the delay to technical problems with either the installation or operation of the turbines, coupled with an unprepared electricity transmission network.
These issues are hindering the planned utilization of the dam's hydroelectric power.
'Ethiopia hopes it can operate the turbines, but it's ignoring the necessity of mandatory discharge as the rainy season approaches. This is wasting water that they fought diplomatic battles with Egypt and Sudan over for five years to store,' he said.
Sharaqi noted that light rainfall has begun in the Blue Nile basin since early May, with daily inflow exceeding 20 million cubic meters at the GERD. He anticipates this rate will increase to 60 million cubic meters per day within two weeks, with initial forecasts suggesting rainfall will be around average or slightly higher.
Continued delays could lead to a sudden discharge of massive quantities up to 20 billion cubic meters, before the flood season in June, he warned.
This would necessitate precise coordination with Sudan and Egypt to avoid widespread flooding or damage to infrastructure.
The GERD, which Ethiopia began constructing on the Blue Nile in 2011, is Africa's largest hydropower project. Once completed, it aims to produce 6,450 megawatts (MW) of electricity, providing power to approximately 60 percent of Ethiopia's population who currently lack it, and exporting energy to neighboring countries like Sudan and Djibouti.
However, the dam has ignited a protracted dispute with Egypt and Sudan, primarily due to concerns over potential reductions in their vital Nile water shares.
Egypt, in particular, relies on the Nile for an overwhelming 97 percent of its water needs and is already experiencing water scarcity, with an average consumption of 556 cubic meters per capita annually by 2025, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation.
Ethiopia maintains the dam will not diminish water flows to downstream nations.
Instead, it asserts that the GERD will stabilize flows by reducing evaporation, especially compared to Lake Nasser. Despite these assurances, the lack of a binding agreement on the dam's operation continues to fuel tensions.
In 2015, the three nations signed a Declaration of Principles intended to promote cooperation, yet it crucially lacked enforceable mechanisms. Ethiopia announced the final filling of the dam in 2023, a move met with strong Egyptian protests that labeled the action 'unlawful.'
Estimates suggest the GERD could reduce Nile flows to Egypt by two percent under normal conditions, but this figure could escalate significantly during droughts, potentially imperiling 200,000 acres of agricultural land.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Watani
2 days ago
- Watani
Atlas of Egyptian Cities wins
Egypt's 'Atlas of Egyptian Cities' Geoportal has won the 2025 Special Achievement Award in GIS (SAG) granted by Esri, the California-based Environmental Systems Research Institute. GIS stands for Geographic Information Systems. The Atlas of Sustainable Egyptian Cities, which was launched at the 12th World Urban Forum (WUF12) in November 2024 in Egypt, is a geoportal launched to guide cities in adapting to environmental risks and promoting sustainable urban planning. It is a collaborative effort highlighting Egypt's commitment to sustainable development, particularly in the face of climate change. The geoportal serves as a guide for cities to adapt to environmental risks and supports sustainability-conscious urban planning. It is intended to be a key tool for implementing national strategies such as 'Egypt Vision 2030' and the 'National Climate Change Strategy 2050'. The Atlas of [Sustainable] Egyptian Cities was created through a partnership among the Egyptian Ministry of Local Development, the World Bank, and Esri. The platform's database enables policymakers to assess the impacts of climate change, optimise service distribution, and plan projects more efficiently. Minister of Local Development Manal Awad received the 2025 SAG Award during the Esri International User Conference, held in San Diego, California. She was handed the award by Jack Dangermond, president and founder of Esri, the global leader in geographic information systems. On its Facebook page, Esri North Africa posted the news and mentioned that 'Location Intelligence plays a vital role in shaping the future of our planet, not only as an integral part in designing smarter cities, but also in driving digital transformation, and advancing sustainable development goals'. A congratulatory message was posted for Egypt's Ministry of Local Development on this unparalleled achievement. 'We are extremely proud of the remarkable outcomes of our collaboration, and look forward to continued success and greater GIS empowerment in support of the Ministry's digital transformation journey!' Dr Awad pointed out that Egypt's Ministry of Local Development is spearheading one of the most comprehensive spatial and economic development efforts across numerous Egyptian villages and cities, efforts that require advanced data-driven tools and technological capabilities. She noted that geographic information systems have become integral to planning, decision-making, evaluation, and local monitoring processes. She said Esri is a strategic partner capable of supporting the Ministry in building a robust knowledge infrastructure for managing development both locally and nationally. Dr Awad highlighted the 'Atlas of Egyptian Cities' as a national platform built on spatial data to track urban performance indicators, identify development gaps, and monitor climatic and demographic shifts. She noted the ministry's ambition to transform the platform into a dynamic tool that offers predictive analytics, periodic updates, and informed support for investment and policy decisions, leveraging Esri's advanced technologies. The Minister also expressed interest in strengthening collaboration with Esri across various strategic initiatives in Egypt's governorates, including solid waste management, land encroachment control, local asset management, and spatial change monitoring. Mr Dangermond praised the ministry's significant progress in integrating GIS into its development plans and reaffirmed Esri's commitment to supporting Egypt's efforts through tailored solutions, knowledge sharing, and institutional capacity-building. Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence, and mapping. Established in 1969, it has supported customers with geographic science and geospatial analytics. On its website, Esri posted: 'We take a geographic approach to problem-solving, brought to life by modern, enterprise-grade GIS technology. We are committed to using science and technology to build a sustainable world. 'Our greatest challenges—including climate change, sustainability, and social and economic inequality—are interrelated and inherently tied to issues of geography. A science-based, geographic approach can help us understand these interconnected problems holistically by integrating all kinds of information.' Watani International 23 July 2025 Comments comments Tags: 2025 SAG award Esri GISAtlas of Egyptian Cities geoportalMariam Awad


Al-Ahram Weekly
3 days ago
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt opens online application for STEM, Excellence schools
Egypt's Ministry of Education has opened online applications for the 2025–2026 academic year for the country's Schools of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as the Secondary School for Excellence in Ain Shams, the ministry announced Tuesday. Applications will remain open until 31 July via the ministry's official platform. Admission exams for STEM schools are scheduled from 16 to 19 August, while the Excellence School in Ain Shams will hold its entrance exams on 20 and 21 August. To be eligible, applicants must be Egyptian nationals under the age of 18 as of 1 October 2025, and must have passed the Basic Education Completion Certificate (First Round) for the 2024/2025 academic year. STEM and Excellence school eligibility Students applying to STEM schools must meet one of the following criteria: Achieve a minimum total score of 274.5 (98 percent) with no subject-specific requirements; Or obtain at least 266 (95 percent) and score full marks in one of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, or Science. Meanwhile, Male students applying to the Excellence School in Ain Shams must have scored at least 252 (90 percent) in their final preparatory school exams. Application process Students who register online must print their completed application form, have it signed by their guardian, and submit it to their local educational administration's Student Affairs and Exams Department. Required documents include: Two recent passport-sized photos. A certified copy of the preparatory certificate or a success statement with grades. A copy of the birth certificate. Proof of application fee payment. Manual applications are accepted for eligible students unable to register online. These include: Students in the Our Children Abroad programme. Students with non-equivalent certificates who took placement exams. Students who received sports incentive grades or improved scores after exam appeals. Students with approved patents. Students from international schools with officially equated curricula. Azhar Institute students who completed their preparatory certificate this year. Only Egyptian nationals meeting all admission requirements will be allowed to sit the entrance exams. Exam seat numbers, dates, and locations will be announced via the ministry's website. About STEM schools in Egypt Egypt currently has 21 STEM schools nationwide, offering advanced curricula focused on applied sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics. These schools aim to develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills essential for the 21st-century workforce. The STEM initiative, launched in 2011 with support from USAID, is implemented in partnership with the Franklin Institute, the 21st Century Partnership for STEM Education, and the Teaching Institute for Excellence in STEM. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


See - Sada Elbalad
3 days ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
ICESCO Showcases Its Efforts to Empower Youth at 'Youth Knowledge Forum'
Mohamed Mandour The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) participated in the fourth 'Youth Knowledge Forum,' organized in Cairo by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports. In a key working session titled 'Complementarity between governments and international institutions in supporting the knowledge economy,' Dr. Sally Mabrouk, Director of the Office of ICESCO Director-General and Supervisor of the Strategy and Institutional Excellence Sector, reviewed the main programs and initiatives of the Organization aimed at supporting young people in its Member States, particularly in the areas of knowledge, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship. Dr. Mabrouk also reviewed the main thrusts of the 'Youth Knowledge Forum in the Islamic World,' which was recently organized by ICESCO in partnership with MBRF at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat. The Forum saw a large youth interaction and intensive intellectual activity. The ICESCO delegation also included Taqwa Al Ali, in charge of innovation; Fatma El Ghalia Hannani, strategic planning analyst; and Youssef Stelate, application developer in the Digital Transformation Department. The interventions of the delegation members focused on their role in the success of the third edition of the Forum, which was held in Morocco, reviewing their practical experiences and contributions in implementing innovative knowledge empowerment programs for young participants. ICESCO's participation in this major regional event reflects its strategic commitment to empowering youth and promoting the knowledge economy in Member States, as part of its vision to create interactive platforms for the younger generation to participate in decision-making and the achievement of sustainable development. It is also part of the Organization's efforts to strengthen partnerships with regional and international institutions concerned with youth and innovation issues. The opening session was attended by a number of prominent personalities, including Dr. Ashraf Sobhy, Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports; Dr. Jamal bin Huwaireb, MBRF's Executive Director; Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Health and Population; Dr. Ahmed Fouad Henno, Minister of Culture; Chancellor Mahmoud Fawzi, Minister of Parliamentary and Legal Affairs; Dr. Mohamed Sami Abdel Sadiq, President of Cairo University; and Engineer Hani Turki, Director of the UNDP Knowledge Project, in addition to other ministers and senior officials. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Israeli-Linked Hadassah Clinic in Moscow Treats Wounded Iranian IRGC Fighters Arts & Culture "Jurassic World Rebirth" Gets Streaming Date News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Videos & Features Tragedy Overshadows MC Alger Championship Celebration: One Fan Dead, 11 Injured After Stadium Fall Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Arts & Culture South Korean Actress Kang Seo-ha Dies at 31 after Cancer Battle Business Egyptian Pound Undervalued by 30%, Says Goldman Sachs Sports Get to Know 2025 WWE Evolution Results News "Tensions Escalate: Iran Probes Allegations of Indian Tech Collaboration with Israeli Intelligence" News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks