United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator Mark Green, along with Chargé d’Affaires Thomas H. Goldberger, joined Egyptian officials to celebrate the completion of a groundwater lowering system at Kom Ombo Temple. The event was attended by Minister of Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Anany and Aswan Governor General Ahmed Ibrahim.
During the celebration, Mark Green stated, “Rising groundwater is a threat to ancient structures throughout Egypt. Damage to this and other sites would be a significant loss—not just for Egypt, but the global community. USAID is proud to partner with the Government and people of Egypt to protect these key archaeological sites.”
The project involved a $9 million investment from USAID in collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities and the National Organization for Potable Water and Sanitary Drainage. The aim was to lower groundwater levels to preserve Kom Ombo Temple, which serves as an important tourist attraction in Upper Egypt.
Over the last 25 years, USAID has allocated over $100 million towards preserving cultural heritage sites across Egypt. These funds have supported engineering systems at major historical locations such as the Sphinx in Giza, Karnak Temple in Luxor, and the Catacombs in Alexandria.
Since 1978, American investments have totaled $30 billion toward advancing human and economic development in Egypt. More information on USAID's work can be found at https://www.usaid.gov/egypt or by following @USAIDEgypt on Facebook and Twitter.