By: Mohamed Wadie, Norhan Mahmoud
CAIRO, Mar. 9 (SEE)- Egypt’s Prime Minister Dr. Mostafa Madbouli said that there is consensus to establish an integrated entity for managing, developing and optimally utilizing Egypt’s lakes.
“President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi directed the setting up of a single entity for the management of lakes nationwide,” said Madbouli. “It will be of high-level and shall be directly subordinate to the cabinet.”
This came during Madbouli’s meeting with a number of ministers, governors and representatives of stakeholders.
Meanwhile, an assembled board is assigned to formulate a declaration on the tasks entrusted to the entity’s council. “It will enjoy full powers to implement the desired goals.”
Madbouli pointed out that there is great effort currently being made in Lake Manzala. “Such contributions must be implemented in all our lakes to ensure the maximum benefit from them.”
The project also aims to preserve the lakes and increase the fish wealth output, for being the main alternative of white and red meats.
“The targets embrace the development of fishing methods, equipment and heed the social conditions and livelihood of fishermen,” as per Major General Hamdi Badin, Head of the National Fisheries Company.
In addition, the plan includes strengthening cooperation and coordination between the scientific and service bodies, ministries and concerned bodies. As well as optimizing the use of national, regional and international expertise so as to develop and raise the efficiency of the lakes.
“The idea of the national project depends on limiting the negative factors affecting fish production. So, Specific timelines will be set to assure efficient economic and social return of fishermen,” explained Badin.
One of the most significant hurdles that hinder reviving lakes is illegal encroachments. Thus, governorates are urged to scheme plans to tackle the crisis, as per Dakahalia’s Governor Dr. Kamal Jad Sharobim.
“There are 2113 cases on lake Manzala. The institutions already removed 338 infringements and is presently taking off 1775 cases,” clarified Sharobim.
Almost 200 km away from Cairo, Lake Manzala is one of north Egypt’s largest and contributes more than 50k tons of fish yearly.
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