Egypt’s Water Resources and Irrigation Ministry has ordered field inspections of several bridges over canals and drains to determine whether they require maintenance or replacement, as well as an agricultural drain proposed for cleaning, following requests raised by members of parliament.
Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam discussed the requests during a meeting with MPs Ahmed El-Sengidy, Gamal El-Far, Mohamed El-Shweikh, Hamada Soliman and Mostafa Mezireq, the ministry said in a statement.
Sewilam instructed ministry officials to inspect the bridges and assess their technical condition before determining whether maintenance, rehabilitation or replacement work is required. He also ordered an inspection of an agricultural drain to determine the necessary cleaning work.
The meeting also considered requests to cover sections of waterways. Sewilam said such proposals must undergo a technical assessment to ensure they do not reduce the efficiency of canal and drainage networks or interfere with their ability to convey and drain water.
Officials also discussed the dumping of waste into waterways, with the minister calling for greater coordination between the ministry, Parliament and other authorities to curb the practice and protect water quality and the efficient operation of canals and drains.
The meeting reviewed proposals to use some ministry-owned land for public service projects. The ministry said the requests would be assessed in accordance with applicable regulations and its broader plan for managing and investing in its assets.
Sewilam said continued coordination with members of Parliament could help authorities identify local water and infrastructure problems more quickly, while proposed solutions should remain subject to technical and legal requirements.
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