Khartoum, 24-1-2026 (SUNA) – Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Professor Ismat Qureshi, inspected Jebel Aulia Dam to review ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation following damage caused by militia sabotage, as part of the ministry’s efforts to restore Sudan’s water sector.The minister praised irrigation workers for their support to the armed forces during the war, which helped preserve the dam and maintain water services. He emphasized that operations are being conducted safely to ensure the dam’s integrity and uninterrupted flows, while calling for full support of maintenance efforts.Preliminary arrangements have been completed with the University of Khartoum Advisory Authority and the Joint Nile Water Technical Authority to provide technical studies for rehabilitating the navigation channel. Maintenance work includes servicing the crane, repairing gates, and refurbishing staff buildings and the reservoir rest area.The minister also instructed the formation of a technical team to address the Nile weed issue affecting the reservoir’s operation, drawing experts from plant protection, hydraulic research centres, and Khartoum and White Nile states.The visit underscores the ministry’s commitment to strengthening water infrastructure and ensuring sustainable water services for citizens.BH/BH