The Aswan High Dam, inaugurated in 1971, solves the Nile River’s drastic fluctuations. Its continuous irrigation facilitates multiple yearly crop cycles, ensuring agricultural stability. However, this technological feat has substantial environmental repercussions, impacting the river oasis ecosystem. Consequences include decreased soil fertility and the salinization of irrigated areas.
Considered a monumental achievement in Egypt’s recent history, the High Dam is hailed as a symbol of progress following the 1952 revolution. It was a cornerstone for water and electricity provision while safeguarding the nation from floods.
Following the July Revolution, President Gamal Abdel Nasser proposed the dam’s construction, met with rejection from the World Bank and the Western nations. Consequently, seeking technical and financial support, Nasser turned to the Soviet Union. The culmination of this effort resulted in the construction of the current boulder-laden structure. Construction commenced on January 9, 1960, culminating in the dam’s completion in 1971.
The dam’s construction led to the creation of Lake Nasser, a vast reservoir spanning the Egypt-Sudan border. This artificial lake stretches approximately 10 kilometers wide at points and extends over 500 kilometers in length—earning the distinction of being the world’s largest artificial lake. Lake Nasser also hosts a diverse array of commercially valuable fish species.
Despite the achievements, the rising waters resulting from the dam’s creation threatened numerous Nubian monuments. In response, the Egyptian government, supported by UNESCO and various countries, undertook extensive efforts to safeguard and preserve the most significant Nubian monuments, mitigating the potential damage caused by the rising waters.
The Great Aswan High Dam
The High Dam in Aswan is one of Egypt’s paramount achievements in the past century, symbolizing the new era spurred by the 1952 revolution. This monumental structure has been instrumental in preventing floods and providing Egypt with indispensable water and electricity.
Impressively towering at 111 meters in height, stretching over 3.5 kilometers in length, and spanning about 1 kilometer in width, the dam boasts a hydroelectric power station housing six turbines generating a staggering 2.1 million kilowatts. It remains a cornerstone of Egypt’s energy and water resources.
This colossal project demanded a total investment of one billion dollars. Facilitating irrigation, the dam supplies approximately 33,600 square kilometers of land with crucial water resources. The construction required an extensive workforce, with about 44 million cubic meters of building materials and a workforce of roughly 34,000 employees.
Furthermore, the High Dam incorporates 12 Francis turbines, each contributing to the power output, supporting its pivotal role in Egypt’s energy production and water supply.
Aswan High Dam History
Following the 1952 revolution, President Gamal Abdel Nasser initiated the construction of the High Dam. However, Western countries declined to cooperate, leading Egypt to seek technological and financial aid from the Soviet Union. Commencing on January 9, 1960, the construction concluded in the spring of 1971.
The creation of Lake Nasser is a direct result of the High Dam’s construction. It is a significant reservoir between Egypt and Sudan, ranking globally as the largest artificial lake. With the assistance of UNESCO and other countries, the Egyptian government made significant efforts to protect these priceless historical artifacts from potential damage as rising water levels threatened Nubian antiquities.
Aswan High Dam Benefits
The primary purpose behind the construction of the High Dam was to control the course of the Nile River, ensuring consistent irrigation water supply to all regions of Egypt year-round. Additionally, the dam played a vital role in boosting tourism by enabling navigation cruises along the Nile. Additionally, the dam’s ability to hold water serves the crucial purpose of powering 12 turbines, which produce valuable hydroelectricity for the area.
Let’s divide the impact of the High Dam into categories:
Economic impact
The construction of the Great Dam marked a pivotal moment, granting people the ability to regulate the annual Nile flood for the first time in history. This monumental shift facilitated the utilization of floodwaters for irrigation across thousands of acres of land, enhanced navigation in Aswan, and contributed significantly to the country’s electrical supply.
Beyond controlling floods and enabling irrigation, the dam’s impact extended further. It elevated the water table, playing a crucial role in hydroelectric power generation, which, in turn, spurred an increase in industrial activities. The availability of electricity led to a diversification and expansion of industries. The dam’s multifaceted benefits significantly contributed to the expansion of the agricultural area and played a pivotal role in the overall development and progress of the region.
Social impact
While the High Dam’s impact on Egypt has been substantial, attributing peace and stability solely to its presence might be oversimplified. However, it has undoubtedly contributed to economic activity, improving many’s living standards. The dam project addressed settlement issues and created opportunities for young people to elevate their social standards by accessing new employment prospects.
The dam project has significantly improved living conditions and provided avenues for social advancement by generating economic activity and offering job opportunities, especially for the youth. However, while it’s a contributing factor to economic growth and employment, the country’s broader aspects of peace and stability stem from many factors, including political stability, social policies, and more.
Biological effect
The building of the dam resulted in the spread of schistosomiasis, a worm disease, causing adverse effects. This impacted fish populations and altered the surrounding flora and fauna.
Physical impact
The construction of the Great High Dam facilitated the reclamation of desert land for agricultural purposes, proving highly beneficial. However, it caused notable alterations in soil salinity and water absorption. Moreover, it affected the course of the Nile River both upstream and downstream of the dam, leading to sedimentation in both the Nile and Lake Nasser.
Facts about the Aswan High Dam
- Over 90,000 Nubians were relocated within 45 kilometers of their original homes during construction.
- The dam’s construction spanned around ten years, concluding in 1970.
- The Fatimid caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah enlisted the expertise of scholar and engineer Ibn al-Haytham to oversee the regulation of Nile flooding.
- In 1912, engineer Adrian Daninos proposed a plan to construct the High Dam, which King Farouk did not favor.
- The Soviets extended a $1.12 billion offer to President Gamal Nasser to assist in building the dam due to his need for aid.
- The dam protected devastating droughts in East and West Africa during 1972-1973 and 1983-1987.
- Crossing the Nile, one of the world’s longest rivers, the dam contributes approximately half of Egypt’s electricity supply, generating around 10 billion kilowatt-hours of hydroelectric power.
- Although British engineers designed the dam, its construction was carried out by a team different from that of the Soviet Union.
- To safeguard against potential flood impacts, numerous Egyptian antiquities, including Abu Simbel, had to be relocated before construction, leading to substantial positive changes with establishing the High Dam.
- Notably, the dam’s creation resulted in the formation of Lake Nasser.
