JUBA – South Sudan is seeking technical expertise to improve flood forecasting, groundwater assessment and climate-resilient infrastructure as Nile Basin countries continue to debate the management of shared water resources.
Sultan Lam Tungwar Kueigwong, undersecretary at the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation, said South Sudan wanted to strengthen its capacity to manage water resources and address development needs.
“Our interest here is clear and professional: how to strengthen Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), how to deploy modern tools for flood forecasting, groundwater assessment, water quality monitoring, and how to build climate-resilient water infrastructure that serves our people,” Tungwar said in a statement.
He was speaking at the ninth Cairo Water Week, which opened on October 25 and runs until October 29 under the theme “Water as a Catalyst for Peace, Shared Prosperity, and a Sustainable Planet.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, addressing the opening, said Nile Basin countries had a right to development but should not compromise the water security of other states.
“Any wager that Egypt will accept a fait accompli or compromise its water security is a losing wager,” el-Sisi said.
He called for cooperation based on international law, consultation and the exchange of technical studies. He also said the location of a river’s sources within one country did not give it exclusive control over water shared by several nations.
His remarks come amid a longstanding dispute between Egypt and Ethiopia over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Ethiopia says the dam is essential for electricity generation and economic development, while Egypt fears its operation could affect downstream water supplies, particularly during prolonged droughts. Sudan has also raised concerns about dam safety, data sharing and coordination of water releases.
Meanwhile, Egypt has approved South Sudan’s proposed Fulla hydropower dam following a review of technical studies. Egyptian Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said in September that the project’s expected impact was limited and manageable.
The proposed dam near Nimule in Eastern Equatoria State is intended to increase South Sudan’s electricity generation.
South Sudan’s water management priorities also include addressing recurrent floods, improving water supplies and developing infrastructure to support agriculture and electricity generation.
“We come to these platforms to learn, to share our experience, and to build genuine partnerships,” Tungwar said. “Our position has always been for constructive dialogue, technical cooperation, and partnership for sustainable development.”
The ministry is also preparing South Sudan’s participation in the United Nations Water Conference, scheduled for December 8 to 10 in Abu Dhabi and co-hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal. Tungwar said the country would focus on accelerating Sustainable Development Goal 6, which aims to ensure access to water and sanitation for all, and linking innovation with investment.
