Dr Riek Machar, Juba, 2013

Vice President Riek Machar says Egypt has expressed no objection to South Sudan’s plan to construct five hydroelectric dams along the White Nile River.

In a meeting today with Vice President Doctor Riek Machar, the Egyptian Ambassador to South Sudan, Ayman el-Gammal outlined Egypt’s position on the proposed Fulla hydroelectric dam along the White Nile in Nimule.

Ambassador Ayman dismissed media reports that the Egyptian government might object to the Fulla Dam project – as it has rejected the construction of a bigger dam by the Ethiopian government.

Meanwhile, Vice President Doctor Riek Machar assured Egypt that the feasibility study done on the Fulla Dam project took into consideration the impact it will have on Egypt’s share of the Nile water.

“South Sudan will utilize its share of the water volume as prescribed by the Nile Basin countries,” Dr. Riek said.

The meeting between the Vice President and the Egyptian ambassador also discussed capacity building programs offered by Egypt to the country and bilateral relations.