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Is it a mirage? Egypt is under construction of the world's largest artificial river in the desert

Written by Rafaela Fabris
Published 12/06/2024 às 11:29
Is it a mirage? Egypt is building the world's largest artificial river in the desert
Egypt is transforming the western desert with an unprecedented project: the largest artificial river in the world. Located southwest of Cairo, this colossal project aims to convert 6.000 km² of arid desert into a vast agricultural area by 2025, and 12.000 km² by 2030. Image: Pedreiro na Construção/Disclosure

Egypt is transforming the western desert with an unprecedented project: the largest artificial river in the world. Located southwest of Cairo, construction of this colossal project aims to convert 6.000 km² of arid desert into a vast agricultural area by 2025, and 12.000 km² by 2030.

Imagine being lost in the hot Egyptian desert, thirsty and on the verge of death. Suddenly, you see something green on the horizon: an oasis the size of a country. This is the scenario that Egypt is in creating with construction of the largest artificial river in the world.

The project, of epic proportions, will transform almost 6.000 km² of desert into a gigantic farm. This area will include hundreds of kilometers of new roads, residential areas, two power plants, the world's largest sewage treatment plant and the world's largest man-made river. The first phase of construction is scheduled to be completed by 2025, while the second phase, which will double the reclaimed area to 12.000 km², will be completed by 2030.

But why is Egypt investing billions of dollars in building this project while it has the magnificent Nile River?

The answer lies in the serious water crisis the country is facing. With a population expected to reach 115 million people by 2024, Egypt simply does not have enough water to sustain its growth and keep its land fertile.

Water scarcity is worsened by the Renaissance Dam, which was built by Ethiopia, which slows the flow of the Nile River. Furthermore, Egypt faces climate change and increased desertification, with only 5% of its arable land actually used due to lack of water.

The agricultural sector is crucial to the Egyptian economy, contributing 14% of GDP and employing 28% of the workforce

The construction of the New Delta Project is vital as it will allow 5 million families to maintain a stable source of income, as well as creating jobs for more than 20.000 new graduates in various areas related to the project.

Contrary to many expectations, the Novo Delta Project will not use water from the Nile River for irrigation. Egypt is investing in wastewater recycling at a new facility called the AL Hamam Water Treatment Plant, which will provide up to 7,5 million cubic meters of water per day. The connection to the Nile River will only be used in emergencies, such as a possible collapse of the Renaissance Dam.

The 114 km long artificial river will be fed by wastewater treatment plants and underground reservoirs

Construction involves open canals, underground pipes, pumping stations and bridges, as well as residential and commercial areas along the river. The AL Hamam wastewater treatment plant will be the largest in the world, with the capacity to treat millions of cubic meters of water daily. Underground reservoirs in the Western Desert will provide additional water for the project.

With completion scheduled for 2030, Egypt is expected to once again become a major food exporter. Multinational companies are already investing in the project, which is being carried out at a much lower cost compared to similar projects in other countries, due to lower labor and materials costs in Egypt.

Construction of this project is in full swing, on time and on budget

E promises to radically transform the country's landscape and economy, providing a sustainable solution to Egypt's water crisis. This megaproject highlights Egypt's ability to innovate and face monumental challenges. With careful planning and efficient use of resources, the country is creating an oasis in the desert, ensuring a safer and more prosperous future for millions of its citizens.

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adilsonstoliveira@gmail.com
adilsonstoliveira@gmail.com
12/06/2024 15:13

Instead of spending millions on wars, this is the way

Mark
Mark
12/06/2024 15:55

With so many bad things happening in the world, this news is a confirmation that we are heading towards a better world.

Fernando
Fernando
12/06/2024 16:32

Where does the water come from?

Ramon
Ramon
In reply to  Fernando
12/06/2024 22:54

Just read or listen to the audio. lol

Ednaldo
Ednaldo
12/06/2024 17:13

Brazil is already draining billions in corruption from its taps. A country with no future

Francisco
Francisco
In reply to  Ednaldo
13/06/2024 09:09

There always has to be a mongrel to make a **** comment.

Jose Augusto
Jose Augusto
In reply to  Francisco
13/06/2024 10:08

Francisco. The mutt is the one who elected a gang of **** again to suck our country dry.

ROBERTO DE SOUSA ALVES
ROBERTO DE SOUSA ALVES
In reply to  Jose Augusto
13/06/2024 18:21

Bolsonaro, for example, sucked our money. He lied. And there are still people who kiss up to this devil. This kind of person must like what is useless.

siqueira
siqueira
In reply to  ROBERTO DE SOUSA ALVES
04/07/2024 07:22

**** is sad. responds by attacking…

John
John
In reply to  Francisco
13/06/2024 10:30

These questions about corruption and difficulties in controlling nature bring us doubts from the past, such as controlling the wind. It is a shame that we do not know the estimated cost of the pharaohs' work, to compare it with the transposition of the Chico River, which is not yet finished.

bassani
bassani
In reply to  Francisco
13/06/2024 11:24

And a **** **** to contest…

Daniel
Daniel
12/06/2024 17:41

Will it take away Libya's status?

Rafaela Fabris

It discusses innovation, renewable energy, oil and gas. With over 1.200 articles published in CPG, it provides daily updates on opportunities in the Brazilian job market.

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