Speaking before the Senate, the Egyptian Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sweilam, specified that Egypt faces many challenges in this area.

The per capita water ratio in Egypt is 560 cubic meters per year, almost half the international water poverty line, he noted.

In front of such a situation, he called for a rational use of water through the use of science and technology, in order to meet the needs of citizens and future generations in a sustainable manner.

Swailem also mentioned the efforts made by the ministry to promote the rehabilitation of the Nile river canals.

Egypt has a population of 104 million and depends on the Nile for 98 percent of its water needs.

According to official data, Egypt has an annual water availability of 60 billion cubic meters (bcm), but it needs are around 114 bcm.

The Information and Decision Support Center of the Cabinet revealed a few days ago that the country will have a population of 160 million by 2050, which is a great challenge.

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