Today, Abdel Fattah Serag, Governor of Sohag, conducted a field tour during which he inspected the flood drains in Al-Kawthar district and the centers of Akhmim and Saqilta to ensure their readiness to receive any potential rain or floods in preparation for the winter season. The tour was attended by Major General Ahmed Al-Sayes, Secretary-General of the Governorate, Engineer Mohamed Tayea, Deputy Minister of Irrigation, Sherif El-Sayed, Head of Saqilta Center and City, and Sherbat Al-Sweina, Head of Al-Kawthar district.

The governor began the tour by inspecting the “Al-Salamony Flood Drain” in Al-Kawthar and the village of Al-Salamony in Akhmim, which is 5.2 kilometers long and drains into the Naj‘ Hamady Eastern Canal “Bir Ayman.” He stressed the removal of any garbage accumulation or obstacles in the drain, necessary maintenance of dams, regular inspection to ensure readiness to receive any potential rain or floods, and taking legal measures including environmental reports against those who dump waste or garbage in the drains.

The governor also inspected the “Al-Qarna Flood Drain” in Saqilta Center, which includes an artificial storage lake. He ensured the drain’s readiness to receive any rain or floods if they occur and to handle any emergencies. He emphasized the need to follow up on maintenance and regular operation of vehicles and equipment of various local units, as well as the concerned authorities, ensuring equipment readiness in emergencies and the preparedness of personnel for rapid response in case of any crises.

During the tour, Serag stressed the full readiness to receive the winter season, directing the activation of the main operations room that includes all concerned parties and continuous monitoring of the meteorological authority’s forecasts. He pointed out the need for constant coordination between local units and the irrigation directorate to inspect all flood drains, canals, irrigation ditches, drains, dams, barriers, and lakes within the governorate’s jurisdiction, which include 12 flood drains, 22 obstruction dams, and 5 artificial lakes, to monitor and remove any obstacles or encroachments and continuously ensure their readiness.