Egypt is among many MENA countries that is suffering from severe water scarcity, and according to the United Nations will face critical shortages by 2025. The reasons are many, including population growth, the natural aridity of the area, climate change, stress on water resources, and pollution.

To address this major challenge, Egypt is planning to develop one of the largest water treatment plants in the world. Located in the Sinai - Eastern Suez Canal area with a capacity of 1 million cubic meters per day, Al Mahsamah water treatment plant is part of Egypt’s commitment to implement projects for irrigating 6,300 km² within the development projects of Suez Canal and Sinai.

Khatib & Alami (K&A) is undertaking the study, design, and construction supervision of this pivotal project.

The drainage water from Al Mahsamah‘s drain - collecting drainage water from parts of Delta region - is transferred to the proposed treatment (water reclamation) plant passing under the old and new branches of the Suez Canal through four siphons, each approximately 500-600m-long. The depth of siphons is approximately 60m under the canal with diameters of 15m each.

Launched by the Engineering Authority of the Egyptian Armed Forces (EAAF), this vital project will boost economic growth by addressing water shortages east of the Suez Canal; providing water for irrigation to approximately 50 thousand hectares of agricultural land; and creating opportunities for economic development.

The construction of the treatment plant is set to start in June and will take 12 months, followed by 60 months of operation and maintenance support.