Egypt and Uganda are preparing the next phase of a joint project to combat aquatic weeds in the Great Lakes as part of a long-term cooperation programme, Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said. Sewilam’s comments came as he received a Ugandan delegation led by David Kasura, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, following the 14th joint steering committee meeting held from August 1 to 2. During the talks, Sewilam highlighted Egypt’s launch of a $100m regional funding mechanism to support priority development projects in Southern Nile Basin countries. The minister stated that technical cooperation between Egypt and Nile Basin nations represents a successful model for regional partnership based on mutual benefits. He affirmed the depth of historical and brotherly relations between Egypt and Uganda, which have been reflected in the project since its inception in 1999. Following the committee meetings, Aref Gharib, Head of the Nile Water Affairs Sector and chair of the Egyptian side of the committee, and Kasura signed the meeting minutes. Sewilam commended the progress of the project’s sixth phase, signed on November 1, 2023. This phase includes combating aquatic weeds in Lakes Victoria, Albert, and Kyoga, developing a fish landing site, and establishing a modern fish market and a river marina in the Kamunga area on Lake Victoria’s shores. The marina and market development aims to facilitate fishing boats’ shore access by clearing weeds and opening navigation channels, providing a safe dock that serves fishermen and the transport of fish, goods, and passengers, Sewilam explained. He added that the modern market provides a healthy, organised environment for fish handling, improves sorting and preservation, and reduces waste and pollution sources, thereby supporting local communities and activating the local economy. The minister also outlined the implementation of an integrated project to manage aquatic weeds by transforming them into biogas for cooking and lighting, and into organic fertilisers to improve soil fertility and crop yields. This approach encourages citizens to safely dispose of the weeds, turning an environmental challenge that hinders navigation and fishing into an economic resource, he said. In a bid to open new avenues for cooperation, Sewilam said coordination is underway with the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the Ugandan side to study opportunities in fish farming linked to agricultural production. This includes applying aquaponics systems, which combine fish farming with soil-less agriculture by reusing nutrient-rich water from fish tanks to grow crops, presenting opportunities for Egyptian investments and expertise. These systems contribute to increasing fish and crop production, rationalising water and fertiliser use, lowering production costs, and achieving a sustainable economic return for local communities to support food security and rural development, Sewilam noted. The minister additionally praised the progress in capacity building through specialised training programmes for technical cadres at the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. He directed the continuation of preparations for the project’s next phase to ensure sustainable results and expand projects with a direct impact on citizens. The post Egypt, Uganda prepare next phase of Great Lakes weed project as Cairo highlights $100m Nile Basin fund first appeared on Dailynewsegypt.
