Egypt has launched the first phase of a training program to deploy drone technology for monitoring the national water system, Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said. The initiative aims to boost efficiency through modern technology and support digital transformation in smart water management.
In a move to enhance water resource management, Minister Hani Sewilam announced the launch of the first phase of a training program focused on using drones to monitor Egypt's national water system. This initiative falls under the ministry's strategy to adopt modern technology, support digital transformation, and implement "smart management" of water resources within the "Water 2.0" framework. Sewilam explained that the program seeks to improve the efficiency of the ministry's engineering and technical staff while emphasizing the safe and responsible use of drones to enhance monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making processes.
Drones will be employed to detect encroachments along the River Nile and other waterways, ensuring unobstructed water flow. They will also monitor the spread of weeds and water hyacinth, inspect the structural integrity of water facilities, and track shoreline changes to pinpoint areas vulnerable to erosion. Additionally, the technology will aid in overseeing flood protection structures, assessing water quality, enabling smart irrigation applications, and identifying crop patterns.
Sewilam noted that generating high-resolution digital maps and models from drone data will enable data-driven decisions and promote the optimal use of water resources in alignment with Egypt's 2050 Water Resources Strategy. The training covers an introduction to the ministry's drone fleet and the sensors used, including detailed technical specifications for each aircraft. It includes essential safety and security procedures, such as pre-flight inspections, checks on navigation and communication systems, and monitoring the aircraft's condition during missions. Training sessions also address communication mechanisms between drones and control devices, types of communication systems, and proper methods for charging, discharging, and storing batteries to ensure personnel safety.