Thursday, 16 July 2026
Egypt-backed groundwater station inaugurated at Juba University
South Sudan has inaugurated a groundwater station at Juba University built with a grant from Egypt, the Egyptian Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said in a statement.
The Somba station was opened by South Sudan’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation James Mawij Makuac, in the presence of Egypt’s ambassador to South Sudan Hazem Mamdouh and representatives from both countries.
Egyptian Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Hani Sewilam said the project reflected the “deep and historic ties” between Egypt and South Sudan and Egypt’s commitment to supporting development and improving public services in the country.
The station will provide clean drinking water to students and staff at Juba University, as well as residents in surrounding areas, the ministry said.
Sewilam said the project was part of broader Egyptian-South Sudanese cooperation in water resources, including drinking-water facilities, waterway rehabilitation, floodwater harvesting, monitoring stations, early-warning systems and training programmes.
Egypt has completed 28 solar-powered groundwater drinking-water stations across South Sudan, each serving more than 3,000 families, according to the statement.
The Egyptian ministry said it also provided training for local technical staff to operate and maintain the facilities, helping ensure their long-term sustainability.
Sewilam said Egypt would continue providing technical support and expertise to South Sudan in water-resource management and other areas of cooperation.