Suspicion over Spillways: A Closer Look at Egypt’s Controversial Decisions.
Suspicion over Spillways: A Closer Look at Egypt’s Controversial Decisions.
In light of Egypt’s past unsuccessful strategies to uphold what it considers its historical right to the Nile’s waters—a claim disputed by Ethiopia—it’s imperative for Ethiopia to maintain vigilance on Egypt’s latest maneuver. This move involves the deliberate opening of the High Dam’s spillway, ostensibly as a way to illustrate potential “damage” to international observers.
A number of recently surfaced images (attached) purport to showcase this activity, although their authenticity has not yet been validated. According to the data collected on May 8, the water level at the High Dam was noted to be around 181.1 meters above sea level. Presently, reports suggest a swift decline in this water level. This action of intentionally lowering the lake’s level, along with the possible repercussions of such a move, has raised eyebrows, primarily due to the potential exacerbation of an impending water crisis linked to the fourth filling of the Renaissance Dam.
The key points of concern include
1. The controversial decision by Egypt to engage the Toshka Spillway, instead of the High Dam’s spillway, when Lake Nasser reached the 181.21-meter mark, a water level that isn’t typically deemed critical enough to warrant the opening of the Toshka Spillway.
2. The indication that the Toshka Spillway, which wasn’t incorporated into the original design of the High Dam, is less effective than the original spillway situated at level 182. The latter is seen as preferable due to its controllable nature.
3. The assertion that activating the Toshka Spillway led to significant water wastage, as evidenced by the reported loss of approximately 825 million cubic meters within a mere span of 14 hours on May 8, 2023. This wastage is associated with the lowering of the lake’s level from 181.21 to 181.1 meters above sea level.
So it is essential for Ethiopia to remain alert and guarantee that any changes in strategy by Egypt concerning the Nile’s waters are transparent, based on solid evidence, and justifiable under international law. The situation calls for an observant and proactive approach to protect Ethiopia’s interests.
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