Egypt inaugurated a new solar-powered groundwater station at the University of Juba in South Sudan, a project funded through an Egyptian grant as part of Cairo's broader strategy to deepen development cooperation with Nile Basin countries.
The facility, known as the Sumba Groundwater Station, was officially inaugurated by South Sudan's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, James Mawij Makuej, in the presence of Egyptian Ambassador to South Sudan Hazem Mamdouh and Shabaan Aboul-Fotouh, head of Egypt's irrigation mission in South Sudan.
Egypt's Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said the project reflects the longstanding strategic partnership between Egypt and South Sudan and underscores Cairo's commitment to supporting sustainable development initiatives across the Nile Basin.
"The inauguration of the Sumba station demonstrates the deep historical and fraternal ties between Egypt and South Sudan," Sewilam said, adding that Egypt remains committed to providing technical and development assistance that improves public services and living standards.
The groundwater station is expected to provide safe drinking water for students and staff at the University of Juba, while also serving residents in surrounding communities. Egyptian officials said the project will help improve public health, environmental conditions and educational services.
The station forms part of a wider portfolio of Egyptian-funded water projects in South Sudan aimed at strengthening water security and climate resilience.
According to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, Egypt has completed 28 solar-powered groundwater drinking water stations across South Sudan, with each facility serving more than 3,000 families.
The bilateral cooperation program also encompasses a range of strategic water infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. These include rehabilitation and dredging works along the Bahr el Ghazal watercourse in Bentiu, the construction of rainwater harvesting dams to improve water availability during periods of drought, and the installation of hydrological monitoring stations to collect data for water resources planning and future development projects.
Egypt has also established an early warning and forecasting center within South Sudan's Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, while continuing to provide technical training, institutional capacity building and knowledge transfer to South Sudanese water specialists.
Sewilam said Egypt pairs infrastructure projects with technical training programs to equip local engineers and operators with the skills needed for maintenance and long-term operation, ensuring the sustainability of completed projects.
He reaffirmed Egypt's commitment to expanding technical cooperation with South Sudan in water resources management, emphasizing that continued collaboration is intended to support sustainable development, strengthen shared interests and improve the quality of life in both countries.
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