Desalination of seawater through a partnership agreement between the government and the private sector
Seawater desalination through a partnership agreement between the government and the private sector
In a partnership agreement between the “Sovereign Fund of Egypt”, the “International Finance Corporation”, and the “European Bank for Reconstruction and Development”; Hala Al-Saeed, “Minister of Planning and Economic Development and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sovereign Fund,” witnessed the signing of an agreement seeking to enhance ways of cooperation between the ministry and the private sector in “Seawater Desalination Program,” and this in the presence of “Minister of International Cooperation,” Rania Al-Mashat, and Ayman Suleiman, “CEO of the Fund.”
In her speech, Hala Al-Saeed said: “The agreement is a major step forward in strengthening strong partnerships between the government and its main development partners: the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and the International Finance Corporation.” She explained during her speech that these partnerships have become stronger in recent years, and have included a wide range of areas of cooperation.
Al-Saeed continued: “The agreement that was signed seeks to advance the “Water Desalination Program in Egypt”, based on the results of the Conference of the Parties (COP) “COP27”, and based on the events organized during “Water Day.” She also added that the agreement has a contribution to supporting Egyptian efforts. In order to ensure access to safe and clean water, considering that water is the basis of human rights, and a cornerstone in the path to achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, as stated in the sixth goal of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Minister emphasized the fact that water is an integral part of human progress, but this progress is associated with rapid population growth. This caused severe pressure on water resources, and signs appeared indicating an imminent global water crisis! She also confirmed the increasing complexity of this phenomenon, as a result of multiple recent challenges, including: the Corona epidemic, global food and energy shortages, as well as economic headwinds, in addition to the permanent struggle with climate change and increasing desertification.
Al-Saeed added: “More than half of the world’s population is likely to be exposed to the risk of water stress by 2050.” Pointing out the extent of the Egyptian state’s interest in the inevitability of correct management of water resources, in order to achieve access to clean and safe drinking water and provide equitable food security.
She also indicated the government’s interest in the water sector, considering development priorities, and determining the optimal investment field. Drawing attention to the fact that the government is now implementing an ambitious agenda to manage water resources in an integrated manner, and that it – that is, the Egyptian government – pays great attention to the participation of the private sector, and that it is working to develop its water desalination program in cooperation with many private entities, which is something that is stimulated by the “Sovereign Fund of Egypt.” The Minister of Planning stated that the program extends to the year 2050, targeting in its first phase the implementation of about 21 water desalination plants, with a production of 3.3 million cubic meters per day, targeting – by the year 2050 – 8.8 million cubic meters.
She also indicated that the role of the private sector is key in the program, so that the Ministry ensures the presence of appropriate expertise and technological knowledge, in addition to sustainable and sufficient financial resources. To achieve these ambitious goals, we must benefit from the expertise of the International Finance Corporation and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, which have the ability to implement similar projects in all sectors of the economy.
Al-Saeed affirmed the Egyptian government’s commitment to unifying its efforts and the efforts of its partners, to implement major sector projects with a common orientation in Egypt and the entire region. What I made clear is that this will only be achieved through more dynamic participation of the private sector – as well as international partners. Emphasizing the need to mobilize resources and work together to confront challenges with concrete and measurable measures, and that these partnerships not only support the government’s efforts, but are a major factor in its success.
