Latest news with #Sharaqi
Egypt Independent
20-05-2025
- Science
- Egypt Independent
GERD delay poses imminent threat to Egypt and Sudan, Egyptian expert warns
An Egyptian professor of water resources, Abbas Sharaqi, revealed that Ethiopia has suffered a delay in opening the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam's (GERD) spillway gates, despite facing technical challenges with turbine operation and a deficient electricity transmission network. This delay has sparked serious concerns in Egypt and Sudan regarding water management as the rainy season approaches. Experts fear it could lead to the waste of enormous quantities of water without any tangible benefit – particularly critical for Egypt, which relies on the Nile River for 95 percent of its water needs. The Egyptian geological expert confirmed that satellite imagery indicates a slight decrease of four billion cubic meters in the GERD's reservoir since September 5, 2024. The lake's water level has dropped by approximately two meters, reaching 636 meters above sea level, with a total storage of 56 billion cubic meters. In a post on his official Facebook account, the expert attributed the delay to technical problems with either the installation or operation of the turbines, coupled with an unprepared electricity transmission network. These issues are hindering the planned utilization of the dam's hydroelectric power. 'Ethiopia hopes it can operate the turbines, but it's ignoring the necessity of mandatory discharge as the rainy season approaches. This is wasting water that they fought diplomatic battles with Egypt and Sudan over for five years to store,' he said. Sharaqi noted that light rainfall has begun in the Blue Nile basin since early May, with daily inflow exceeding 20 million cubic meters at the GERD. He anticipates this rate will increase to 60 million cubic meters per day within two weeks, with initial forecasts suggesting rainfall will be around average or slightly higher. Continued delays could lead to a sudden discharge of massive quantities up to 20 billion cubic meters, before the flood season in June, he warned. This would necessitate precise coordination with Sudan and Egypt to avoid widespread flooding or damage to infrastructure. The GERD, which Ethiopia began constructing on the Blue Nile in 2011, is Africa's largest hydropower project. Once completed, it aims to produce 6,450 megawatts (MW) of electricity, providing power to approximately 60 percent of Ethiopia's population who currently lack it, and exporting energy to neighboring countries like Sudan and Djibouti. However, the dam has ignited a protracted dispute with Egypt and Sudan, primarily due to concerns over potential reductions in their vital Nile water shares. Egypt, in particular, relies on the Nile for an overwhelming 97 percent of its water needs and is already experiencing water scarcity, with an average consumption of 556 cubic meters per capita annually by 2025, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation. Ethiopia maintains the dam will not diminish water flows to downstream nations. Instead, it asserts that the GERD will stabilize flows by reducing evaporation, especially compared to Lake Nasser. Despite these assurances, the lack of a binding agreement on the dam's operation continues to fuel tensions. In 2015, the three nations signed a Declaration of Principles intended to promote cooperation, yet it crucially lacked enforceable mechanisms. Ethiopia announced the final filling of the dam in 2023, a move met with strong Egyptian protests that labeled the action 'unlawful.' Estimates suggest the GERD could reduce Nile flows to Egypt by two percent under normal conditions, but this figure could escalate significantly during droughts, potentially imperiling 200,000 acres of agricultural land.
Egypt Independent
08-05-2025
- Science
- Egypt Independent
Nile flooding sparks concern, with GERD coordination under scrutiny
Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, Abbas Sharaqi, noted that the flooding of some agricultural land on the banks of the Nile River in Egypt is a dire sign of Ethiopia's lack of coordination with Egypt regarding the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). In a Facebook post, Sharaqi explained that the lands that flooded in Monufia Governorate and elsewhere during April are 'Nile Riverbank land' – meaning parts of the riverbanks or islands that are not usually reached by the Nile's normal water levels. The Ministry of Irrigation allows farmers to lease these lands, knowing that the Nile's water level could rise at any time. The current rise in the Nile River's water level is occurring at an unusual and surprising time, the professor noted, especially since Lake Nasser is expected to be at its lowest levels now, near the end of the water year, in preparation for receiving rainfall from the new season. 'The lack of coordination between Egypt and Sudan with Ethiopia regarding the Renaissance Dam, due to the absence of an agreement, causes a state of ambiguity and confusion in planning water and agricultural policies, particularly in the smaller Sudanese dams downstream from the High Dam, due to the uncertainty surrounding the filling and discharge schedule of the Renaissance Dam,' he said. He continued, 'It is customary for the Nile's water level to rise in some years with high rainfall, during which the High Dam's reservoir fills up. If the flooding continues, the Toshka Spillway is opened, and if the inflow increases further, other gates of the High Dam are opened, leading to a rise in the Nile's level and the flooding of some riverbank lands. This usually happens once every several years in September or October.' Concerning floods He pointed out that the Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation notified the governorates along the Nile River last October of the possibility of some riverbank lands being inundated, which is 'expected' for this time. However, he said the current water conditions in April, both at the GERD and the High Dam, do not warrant the increased flow from Lake Nasser as seen recently. 'Lake Nasser's level is at its lowest during this time of year, which is the last quarter of the water year ending in July, after which the reception of the new year's water begins. Furthermore, the Renaissance Dam's turbines are not operational, and the discharge from it is currently at its lowest, around 12 million cubic meters per day. We are also at the end of the winter agricultural season, during which farmers begin harvesting crops, primarily wheat, and the summer season, with its water-intensive rice cultivation, has not yet begun.' 'The temperature has not yet risen significantly, as we are in spring with an average daytime temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius. Hydrological changes in the Nile River require hundreds, even thousands of years, as do climate changes. However, fluctuations in the Nile's flow have occurred for thousands of years, including the seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine, and the drought years of 1981-1987,' he explained. The Egyptian Ministry of Irrigation had confirmed in a previous statement that the inundation of these lands with water is a recognized occurrence over the past decades, when specific discharges are released at different times throughout the year, within an integrated water management system aimed at ensuring water and economic security and maintaining the safety and integrity of Egypt's water infrastructure. The ministry clarified that the reason for the change in the timing of high discharge releases, which resulted in the rise in water levels and the flooding of these lands, is due to several variables, the most important of which are the altered hydrology of the river (the timing and volume of flows arriving from the Upper Nile) and the uncertainty surrounding the timing and quantities of water reaching Lake Nasser. This comes in addition to regional and local climate change and its impact on rising temperatures, consequently increasing water demand and the early start of the agricultural season.
Egypt Independent
11-04-2025
- Science
- Egypt Independent
Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam not working, forcing billions of Nile water release towards Egypt: Expert
Egyptian water resources expert Abbas Sharaqi stated that the coming period will witness the flow of enormous quantities of water to both Sudan and Egypt due to Ethiopia opening the gates of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) before the rainy season. Sharaqi, Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, explained that the shutdown of the GERD's turbines and the failure to commence the dam's operation as planned will force Ethiopia to discharge approximately 20 billion cubic meters of the dam's water in preparation for receiving rainwater in the new season. Sharaqi added, 'We are less than two months away from the start of the rainy season in June. Ethiopia will be forced to discharge about 20 billion cubic meters before next July.' He stressed that this water discharge 'must be gradual, starting now, so as not to harm Sudan, which, like Egypt, is preparing to receive this water to mitigate the danger of a sudden, unagreed-upon release.' Sharaqi mentioned that the fifth and final storage of water in the GERD concluded last September 5th at a level of 638 meters, with a total storage of 60 billion cubic meters. Since that date, Ethiopia has maintained this quantity while passing any excess water either through the upper spillway gates or through the turbine tunnels after the end of the rainy season. He affirmed that the stability of the dam's reservoir level at these figures is further evidence of the shutdown of the electricity-generating turbines, through which water was supposed to pass to generate power. He added that the planned number of these turbines is six to seven, but they have not genuinely become operational yet. He noted that Ethiopia planned to install three turbines last December, in addition to four existing turbines installed in 2022 and 2024. However, two of these turbines have been inactive since 2022, according to satellite imagery. He pointed out that the average inflow of the Blue Nile at the GERD in April reaches about 12 million cubic meters per day, which is not enough to operate even one turbine for several hours daily.
Muscat Daily
22-03-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Ramadan brings traditional markets in Oman to life
Muscat – Traditional markets across the sultanate are witnessing a surge in visitors. Souqs in Seeb, Muttrah and Nizwa are bustling with activity, offering a diverse range of goods essential for the holy month. Muttrah Souq, one of Oman's most iconic markets, is seeing a sharp rise in footfall. A cherished landmark, the souq holds a special place in the hearts of Omanis, with families making it a tradition to visit during Ramadan. 'We're experiencing a significant boom this month,' said Khalid al Sharaqi, a shop owner. 'The market caters to every Omani family – women shop for abayas, accessories, silver jewellery and shoes, while men look for kummas, mussars and Arabic perfumes. Children's toys are also in high demand.' The maze of narrow alleys and the fragrance of bukhoor in every corner of the souq add to its quaint charm. Elderly men sit around sharing stories of the market's past over cups of kahwa. 'This is what gives the market its soul and unique character,' Sharaqi added. Seeb Souq Seeb Souq, one of Oman's oldest markets, has recently undergone renovations but its traditional appeal remains intact. The market is particularly busy after iftar. 'Seeb Souq is well known for its variety of goods and negotiable prices,' said Omar al Amri, a local merchant. 'It offers everything from Omani handicrafts and silverware to traditional clothes.' Seeb Souq is also a primary market for fresh produce, fish and meat. Overlooking the sea, it provides a scenic shopping experience. 'The combination of heritage, commerce and a seaside setting makes Seeb Souq a popular market for both locals and tourists during Ramadan,' Amri noted. In the heart of Nizwa, the city's historic souq remains a cultural treasure, drawing large crowds throughout Ramadan. Located near the famed Nizwa Fort, the market showcases Oman's ancient traditions. 'Nizwa Souq is a must-visit destination, especially during Ramadan,' said Saeed al Nabhani, a local trader. Nizwa Souq The market is divided into distinct sections, including heritage areas and dedicated spaces for fresh farm produce. It has a separate market for dates which see heightened demand as shoppers seek the finest Omani and Gulf varieties for Ramadan feasts. 'On Fridays, the market is packed with shoppers from across the sultanate, all coming together to purchase essentials for the holy month,' Nabhani added. As Ramadan progresses, these traditional markets are a hive of activity with commerce and cultural practices coming together. From the historic alleys of Muttrah to the bustling stalls of Nizwa, the spirit of Ramadan breathes new life into Oman's souqs, preserving traditions while catering to customers' needs.
