Inauguration of Aswan High Dam January 15, 1971
Egypt, History, 1/16/2002

The High Dam is the greatest project on the River Nile. It is one of the major national projects of the twentieth century by virtue of its impact on irrigation, agriculture and industry in Egypt.

The Idea

T he idea of constructing a dam across the Nile to regulate the flow of water and protect Egypt from high or low floods has been a dream over the years. In 1902, the Aswan Dam was erected. It was heightened several times yet its storage capacity did not exceed 5 billion cubic metres.

After the July 1952 Revolution, studies were carried out to construct the High Dam at Aswan. The World Bank agreed to finance the huge project but later withdrew its consent. This led Egypt to nationalize the Suez Canal to use its revenues to finance the project.

Implementation

On January 9,1960 the foundation stone of the High Dam was laid. On January 15,1971 a ceremony was held marking the completion of the High Dam. The total cost of its construction was LE 500 million. Fifty thousand engineers and workers took part in the implementation of this giant project.

The High Dam has a rocky foundation that blocks the course of the Nile south of Aswan. It is 3600-meter long and pyramidal in shape. It is 980 meter wide at the base and 40 meters at the top. It is 111 meter high above the Nile floor and 196 meters above sea level. The total amount of building material reached 43 million cubic metres.

There are six huge tunnels under the High Dam, 14 meters in diameter each. They transfer water from the front of the High Dam to its rear. There are 12 huge units for hydraulic power generators. A great lake has been formed in front of the High Dam 500 square kilometers in area. The storage capacity of this lake, Lake Nasser, is 164 billion cubic meters that reach 182 metres high.

Benefits of the High Dam

It has saved Egypt from devastating floods and provided enough water in lean years.

The High Dam water has been used in reclaiming new 1.3 million feddans.

Perennial irrigation of one million feddans has replaced basin irrigation.

Rice and sugar cane production has increased considerably.

The High Dam turbines generate an average of 8 billion kilowatt/hour used in industry and the electrification of all towns and villages in Egypt.

The High Dam has facilitated navigation up and down the Nile all the year round.

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