The Face of Truth.. Ibrahim Shaqlawi.. Despite the War, Sudanese Dams Are Safe

Amid the concerns raised by some observers about the condition of Sudanese dams due to the war that has raged in the country since mid-April of last year—sparked by the rebellion of the Rapid Support Forces, which attempted to seize power through a regionally supported military coup, backed by some internal political forces—it is important to note that Sudan has five main dams on the Nile, from upstream to downstream. These include the Setit and Upper Atbara Dam on two tributary rivers, the Roseires Dam on the Blue Nile, the Sennar Dam on the Blue Nile, the Jebel Aulia Dam on the White Nile, and the Merowe Dam on the main Nile. Additionally, there are smaller dams and reservoirs scattered across various Sudanese states, known as water-harvesting dams. These total around 450 dams or reservoirs and are designed with sound standards to store rainwater during the rainy season, which can later be utilized during drought periods—a common occurrence in many rural areas of Sudan. These dams provide water for people, livestock, and agriculture during these dry spells.

As for the major Sudanese dams, the situation is reassuring, with no significant threats to mention. Most of these dams are located far from conflict zones and direct clashes, and they remain under the control of the Sudanese army, which is actively securing and protecting them, as well as ensuring access for staff who continue to perform their operational and management duties efficiently. The only dam located within the areas controlled by the rebel forces is the Jebel Aulia Dam. Recently, several members of the public and observers expressed concerns about the potential collapse of this dam due to the war, referring to recommendations by researchers from the Dutch Water Center in Delft, who highlighted the increasing risks to Sudan’s dams, especially those in areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces, such as Jebel Aulia Dam, located south of the capital, Khartoum. This dam has fallen outside the control of its operating staff due to the lack of security in the area, making it difficult to coordinate flood control operations because of management and communication challenges and the absence of personnel.

However, based on follow-ups with a number of experts and engineers specialized in dam management and operations, they confirm that the overall situation is very reassuring across all Sudanese dams, including Jebel Aulia Dam, despite its being under the control of the rebel forces. Given these insights, we can confidently state that all Sudanese dams are in good condition. It is also important to note that the Jebel Aulia Dam, located on the White Nile, was constructed in 1937, approximately 44 kilometers (27.3 miles) south of Khartoum. It was under the technical and administrative supervision of the Egyptian government, which built it in Sudan under an agreement between the two governments. The dam’s significance for Egypt diminished after the construction of the High Dam, and it was handed over to the Sudanese government in 1977. The dam is still beneficial for raising water levels in areas both upstream and downstream of the structure, allowing irrigation of the White Nile agricultural projects and other ventures in several regions.

Therefore, according to experts and engineers, the Jebel Aulia Dam is currently in good condition, despite being under rebel control since October of last year. The reassuring aspect is that the floodgates are more than sufficient to handle any sudden increases in water levels, especially as the rainy season and flooding have already passed their peak, which typically occurs from mid-July to mid-September. Thus, the risks associated with potential flooding of the White Nile have been surpassed. The daily water inflow is being managed efficiently and normally according to known and expected rates for this time of year.

Additionally, the dam’s storage capacity of 3.5 billion cubic meters remains stable, with no expected increases. It is also known that the control and operation systems of all Sudanese dams are interconnected with high efficiency. Moreover, it should be noted that, according to current water levels, the existing capacity is around 2.5 billion cubic meters, which does not pose any danger to the dam’s safety. As for the likelihood of collapse due to military operations, this is unlikely, as the earthen embankments can absorb potential shocks. One challenge, however, relates to the bridge over the dam, which is 18 meters long and located in the middle of the dam. It is used to open and close vehicle passage, but the controls for this bridge have fallen out of control due to the presence of rebel forces. Nonetheless, the gates below the dam are closed, and there is no danger from them.

In general, based on follow-ups and investigations, as well as consultations with engineers and experts, it is evident that there is no current risk to the Jebel Aulia Dam, especially given that the flooding period has already passed its peak. Furthermore, according to experts and specialists, we can confidently say that Sudanese dams are safe despite the ongoing war. Hence, the reality remains that there is a crucial need to enhance the protection of Jebel Aulia Dam by working with the rebel forces controlling the area, just as the Sudanese army protects other dams in areas under its control. These national civilian infrastructures benefit all Sudanese people, regardless of the conflict or its motivations. Therefore, we call on all local and international parties to emphasize the importance of keeping these civilian structures out of the war’s sphere and to encourage all forces to protect them and facilitate access for staff to operate and maintain them according to local, regional, and international standards.

Stay safe and well.