Egypt is witnessing a severe water scarcity crisis, with per capita water availability standing at just 500 cubic meters annually—less than half the threshold for water scarcity according to United Nations standards, Hani Swelim, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, said on Tuesday, February 10, 2026.
The minister pointed out that the country depends almost entirely on the Nile River, which provides 98% of its water resources, placing significant strain on Egypt’s water management system, especially amid unilateral actions by upstream countries on the Nile.
Swelim’s remarks came during a meeting with Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Right to Safe Drinking Water and Sanitation.
The minister highlighted the Egyptian government’s efforts to ensure sustainable water supply for all sectors of society, underlining the importance of providing safe drinking water and sanitation as fundamental human rights.
He noted that the irrigation ministry has been working tirelessly to meet these needs, particularly in securing the required water levels at intake stations for drinking water plants operated by the ministry of housing.
Swelim also shed light on the irrigation ministry’s commitment to addressing water shortages through wastewater recycling and potential desalination projects. also underscored the need for modern technologies in water management and public awareness campaigns on water conservation.
The minister also shared the irrigation ministry’s ongoing climate change adaptation projects, including flood protection initiatives and coastal erosion prevention, alongside efforts to empower local communities in Sinai and other regions. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to international water agreements, calling for collaboration and mutual respect among Nile basin countries.
