Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan Discuss Nile Projects

By Tesfa-alem Tekle

June 22, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — The joint meeting of ministers of Water Resources of Ethiopia, Egypt and the Sudan held in London to discuss projects that would be executed on Nile River was successfully concluded, according to Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR).

Minister of Water Resources Asfaw Dingamo told Walta information center that the projects studied by the British and French companies EDF and Scott Wilson could benefit the three nations if implemented.

The companies have forwarded detailed studies of projects to be undertaken in the Nile Basin,he said, adding that the three countries have reached consensus on the hydropower opportunities available in the basin.

The studies would help expand large-scale irrigation development works in Ethiopia, Asfaw stated, further noting that they have also proved that hydropower projects to be developed in the Nile Basin could only be materialized in Ethiopia.

The studies are of paramount importance to avert the evaporation problem witnessed in the Sudan and Egypt as well as the erosion in Ethiopia, the minister added.

The studies also revealed that projects carried out around the Nile basin could be of immense economic benefits if carried on the highlands of Ethiopia. Sudan has supported the idea, he said.

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