Egypt and Uganda are making ready the following part of a joint venture to fight aquatic weeds within the Nice Lakes as a part of a long-term cooperation programme, Egyptian Minister of Water Sources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam stated.
Sewilam’s feedback got here as he acquired a Ugandan delegation led by David Kasura, Everlasting Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Business and Fisheries, following the 14th joint steering committee assembly held from August 1 to 2. Throughout the talks, Sewilam highlighted Egypt’s launch of a $100m regional funding mechanism to assist precedence growth initiatives in Southern Nile Basin nations.
The minister acknowledged that technical cooperation between Egypt and Nile Basin nations represents a profitable mannequin for regional partnership primarily based on mutual advantages. He affirmed the depth of historic and brotherly relations between Egypt and Uganda, which have been mirrored within the venture since its inception in 1999.
Following the committee conferences, Aref Gharib, Head of the Nile Water Affairs Sector and chair of the Egyptian aspect of the committee, and Kasura signed the assembly minutes.
Sewilam counseled the progress of the venture’s sixth part, signed on November 1, 2023. This part consists of combating aquatic weeds in Lakes Victoria, Albert, and Kyoga, growing a fish touchdown website, and establishing a contemporary fish market and a river marina within the Kamunga space on Lake Victoria’s shores.
The marina and market growth goals to facilitate fishing boats’ shore entry by clearing weeds and opening navigation channels, offering a secure dock that serves fishermen and the transport of fish, items, and passengers, Sewilam defined. He added that the trendy market gives a wholesome, organised atmosphere for fish dealing with, improves sorting and preservation, and reduces waste and air pollution sources, thereby supporting native communities and activating the native economic system.
The minister additionally outlined the implementation of an built-in venture to handle aquatic weeds by reworking them into biogas for cooking and lighting, and into natural fertilisers to enhance soil fertility and crop yields. This strategy encourages residents to securely get rid of the weeds, turning an environmental problem that hinders navigation and fishing into an financial useful resource, he stated.
In a bid to open new avenues for cooperation, Sewilam stated coordination is underway with the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation and the Ugandan aspect to review alternatives in fish farming linked to agricultural manufacturing. This consists of making use of aquaponics methods, which mix fish farming with soil-less agriculture by reusing nutrient-rich water from fish tanks to develop crops, presenting alternatives for Egyptian investments and experience.
These methods contribute to rising fish and crop manufacturing, rationalising water and fertiliser use, decreasing manufacturing prices, and attaining a sustainable financial return for native communities to assist meals safety and rural growth, Sewilam famous.
The minister moreover praised the progress in capability constructing by way of specialised coaching programmes for technical cadres on the Ugandan Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Business and Fisheries. He directed the continuation of preparations for the venture’s subsequent part to make sure sustainable outcomes and broaden initiatives with a direct affect on residents.
