The campaign will gather relevant data on sediment and hydrologic monitoring in order to improve the basis for the feasibility studies, regional planning and future operations of an increasing number of reservoirs on the Blue Nile. The support contributes to full feasibility studies of the Mandaya and Beko-Abo multipurpose project, within the broader context of regional co-operation on the development of the Eastern Nile.
An agreement has been signed where the NVE, supported by the Royal Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Norad, will contribute with technical assistance for the project.
The campaign will obtain a more detailed records and plan for future monitoring of hydrology and sediment transport. Moreover, the relevant data will also benefit the Joint Multipurpose Program Identification phase 1 (JMP1 ID), a program that is intended to develop an optimum cascade development scenario along the same Basin.
The Mandaya and Beko-Abo projects include hydropower stations with more than 2000MW installed capacity and large reservoirs which will provide possibilities for increasing water availability for downstream uses such as irrigation as well as reducing the sediment flows and siltation problems downstream.
The studies at Mandaya and Beko-Abo and the JMP1 ID are complementary and will be of regional importance, having the potential of providing long-term benefits to the entire region. Thus, these multipurpose programs have a considerable advantage in terms of alleviating regional socio-economic problems, ensuring regional peace, and creating strong economic and social network among the Eastern Nile Countries; Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia.
Due to the lack of physical measurements and data of sediment loads in the river, Norad commissioned the NVE to carry out a sediment and hydrological measurement campaign for the first time during the 2008 flood season. The NVE was able to muster a qualified team of hydrologists and sediment experts at short notice during the Norwegian annual vacations. Measuring equipment was procured and the campaign was carried out together with the Hydrology Department of the Ministry of Water Resources.