Cairo's Innovative Strategies To Combat Water Pollution

Water pollution is a pressing issue in Cairo, Egypt, with far-reaching consequences for the health and well-being of its citizens. The Egyptian Organization for Human Rights has highlighted the severity of the situation, reporting that approximately 38 million people consume polluted water, resulting in an alarming number of poisoning cases, cancer diagnoses, and kidney failures. The primary sources of water pollution in Cairo are industrial wastewater discharge, pesticidal and chemical fertilizer residue from agricultural applications, and sewage discharge. To address this issue, the Egyptian government has implemented various measures, including introducing innovative irrigation techniques, promoting water-saving practices, and developing strategies for improving water treatment and reuse. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on effective coordination between relevant government bodies and the active participation of water users.

Sewage and industrial waste dumped into the Nile

The Nile River, which provides water to the majority of Egypt, is constantly polluted with massive amounts of sewage and industrial waste. This pollution has severe consequences for biodiversity and human health.

Every year, around 150 million tons of industrial waste are dumped into the Nile, according to the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency. This waste includes acids, organic materials, pesticides, agricultural waste, and heavy metals. The river is also polluted by wastewater and rubbish poured directly into it, as well as agricultural runoff.

The consequences of this pollution are dire. The Nile is the main source of drinking water for Egypt, and the country already struggles to obtain clean water. The pollution has also led to a decrease in aquatic life and the shrinking of water surface areas of the northern lakes. This phenomenon, called eutrophication, has had catastrophic economic and environmental implications, including a decline in the fishing industry.

The Egyptian government has recognized the severity of this issue and has made water quality management a critical development goal. Efforts to improve water quality include the implementation of a rehabilitation programme for lakes and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to stimulate investment in the environmental sector.

To address the specific issue of sewage and industrial waste dumped into the Nile, Egypt needs to invest in non-Nile sources of water and improve its water management practices. This includes prioritizing desalination plants and improving irrigation and drainage networks.

Inefficient irrigation techniques

Egypt receives minimal rainfall, less than 80mm annually, and only 6% of the country is arable land. This leads to excessive watering and the use of wasteful irrigation methods such as flood irrigation, an outdated practice where large volumes of water are pumped over crops. The excessive use of water in agriculture is particularly concerning given that about 85% of Egypt's water resources are allocated to agricultural irrigation systems.

To address this issue, the Egyptian government has launched initiatives to promote more efficient irrigation techniques, such as drip and sprinkler irrigation. These methods deliver small amounts of water directly to the base of each plant, reducing water usage by up to 25%. The government is offering loans and subsidies to farmers to encourage the adoption of these modern systems, which also increase harvest yields and reduce fertilizer and energy usage.

The modernization of irrigation techniques is a critical component of Egypt's 20-year water management plan, aiming to transition 5 million feddans to drip and sprinkler irrigation. This transition is particularly important given the uncertainty surrounding Egypt's access to Nile water due to the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam upstream.

The success of these initiatives is crucial for Egypt's future water security and agricultural productivity. By improving irrigation techniques, Egypt can reduce water loss, enhance crop yields, and mitigate the impacts of water scarcity on the country's economy and people's livelihoods.

Lack of water treatment facilities

Cairo, like the rest of Egypt, is facing a water crisis. The country could run out of water by 2025, and climate change is a key factor in this. The Nile River, which provides almost 97% of Egypt's water, is facing daily pollution problems. A report by the Egyptian Organization for Human Rights titled “Water Pollution: A ticking time bomb threatening the life of the Egyptians” states that approximately 38 million people drink polluted water. It also reports that the amount of untreated or partially treated industrial pollutants that enter the water supply is estimated at about 4.5 million tons per year.

A major issue contributing to water pollution in Egypt is the lack of water treatment facilities. Due to a lack of treatment infrastructure and lax regulations, agricultural runoffs containing pesticides, industrial effluents, and untreated sewage are being dumped into the Nile River, making its water gradually unfit for human consumption. This has led to the spread of diseases such as cholera, typhoid, schistosomiasis, and hepatitis.

The Egyptian government has prepared a strategy for increasing the treatment and reuse of drainage and wastewater. However, there are significant obstacles to implementing this strategy, including high treatment costs, a lack of political commitment, and a lack of public acceptance and awareness. Many Egyptians are suspicious of the quality of treated water due to important data gaps and limited information. As a result, Egypt's capacities for water reuse remain limited in comparison to other countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The government is attempting to curb water pollution to increase the amount of usable water resources. However, outside of the Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation (MWRI) and the Ministry of Environment, water quality control is generally not a top priority in other ministries. The Ministry of Environment, in particular, has limited influence in the water sector and limited resources, with only about 0.4% of public expenditures devoted to environmental protection.

To address the lack of water treatment facilities, the Egyptian government is introducing innovative techniques to surface irrigation, such as land leveling, gated pipes, and canal lining. These techniques have the potential to increase irrigation efficiency but need to be supported by tedious interventions and firm policies. In addition, efforts are being made to reduce unnecessary losses at the household level, such as investing in water-saving devices or introducing efficient metering systems. A public awareness program directed by the 'Water Communication Unit' of the MWRI promotes water saving in irrigation and domestic uses and informs citizens about the importance of water conservation.

Poor waste management

Cairo, a city of approximately 15 to 20 million people, generates over 15,000 tons of solid waste daily. The Egyptian government has funded some formal sector waste management, but it often relies on local poor communities to handle solid waste. This is because waste collection services in these neighbourhoods are frequently deemed "too expensive". Thus, the burden falls on local individuals.

The Zabbaleen, or Garbage People, are integral to waste management in Cairo. They spend their days sifting, sorting, and transporting waste. Although this work is tedious and arduous, the Zabbaleen have developed waste management methods that arguably surpass those of the formal sector. Indeed, according to the Environmental Protection Association of Pollution, they recycle about 85% of the city's waste—a higher percentage than is seen in North American and European cities.

The informal waste management sector in Cairo provides economic benefits and job opportunities. Many firms purchase recycled materials at a lower rate than virgin resources, giving them a competitive edge. The Zabbaleen are self-employed, reducing Cairo's overall unemployment rate. Globally, more than 15 million people rely on waste collection for employment. Organic waste diverted from dumpsites helps feed local animals.

However, the work also comes with significant risks and challenges. Children are kept home from school to help with sorting, causing them to miss out on educational opportunities. Exposure to toxins makes the Zabbaleen highly susceptible to diseases such as Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), which can be contracted from improperly disposed medical waste. The Zabbaleen do not receive job benefits or protection despite being essential service providers to the city.

The involvement of the Zabbaleen is crucial to the success of any waste management plan in Cairo. The Egyptian government must recognise their importance and include them in the development of a sustainable waste management system.

Climate change

Egypt is highly vulnerable to climate change. As a country with desert and delta regions, low rainfall, hot summers, huge cities, a long coastline, and one main river, Egypt is already facing an annual water deficit of around seven billion cubic meters and could run out of water by 2025. Climate change will only exacerbate this problem, as rising temperatures and irregular precipitation patterns lead to increased water evaporation and more frequent and prolonged droughts.

The effects of climate change will also be felt beyond water scarcity. Rising temperatures will result in heat stress for humans, animals, and crops, reducing crop yields and affecting multiple sources of food and income for rural Egyptians. Warmer temperatures will also increase water demands, as more water is needed for irrigation and other agricultural activities. In addition, extreme temperatures will impact labor productivity, with certain sectors such as agriculture and construction experiencing steep declines in work hours due to heat.

Sea level rise and land subsidence along Egypt's coastline will further compound the challenges posed by climate change. Egypt's low-lying Mediterranean shoreline is already at high risk of flooding, coastal erosion, and land subsidence, and these risks will only increase with rising sea levels. By 2100, a significant portion of the Nile Delta may be inundated due to land subsidence alone, even without accounting for sea level rise or other climate change impacts.

To address these challenges, Egypt is taking several measures to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change. Egypt is finalizing its National Climate Change Strategy to support its 2030 Sustainable Development Goals agenda. The country is also preparing to host the 27th Session of the United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP27).

The World Bank is supporting Egypt through various projects, including the Greater Cairo Air Pollution Management and Climate Change Project, which aims to reduce emissions and improve air quality in the city. Egypt has also pioneered the first sovereign green bond in the Middle East and North Africa, worth US$750 million, with a focus on clean transport and sustainable water supplies.

At the residential level, Egypt has implemented an Inclusive Housing Finance Program that supports basic green initiatives through the Green Pyramid Rating System (GPRS) certification. The program promotes thermal insulation, natural ventilation, gray water reuse, and the use of aerators in taps to adapt to heatwaves and water scarcity.

Egypt is also addressing the impact of climate change on its agricultural sector, which is vital for food security and the national economy. Egypt is partnering with the Republic of Congo to boost mutual food security by investing in arable land in the water-abundant city of Mossendjo, ensuring a more sustainable source of wheat and rice. Additionally, Egypt is adopting organic agriculture practices to improve crop resilience, water efficiency, and drought resistance.

While Egypt is making strides in addressing climate change, more comprehensive and coordinated efforts are needed to effectively tackle the challenges posed by this global issue.

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