| "Human civilization has evolved along rivers. Dams, by definition, alter the flow patterns and use of rivers. The resulting friction between large dams and equally valued cultural heritage has sparked intense and escalating controversies in many corners of the world, pitting archaeologists against cities, farmers against governments, nations against neighbors": Egypt’s Aswan High Dam triggered an international archaeological salvage operation of the ancient city of Nubia that is unparalleled in history. (http://www.dams.org/news_events/press339.htm, 2004) |
|
At the turn of the century, population growth was greater then agriculture in Egypt and the Sudan. The Nile had to be controlled if there was to be stability along its banks. Also, by harnessing the Nile’s powers, this would yield the hydroelectric power necessary for the industry. To the increasingly industrial societies it was clear and construction of the First Aswan Dam was begun in 1899. |
Aswan Low Dam, April 30, 1901 |
| However, this dam was not sufficient. The water rose above the dam in no time at all and provisions had to be made. In 1952, the Interim Revolutionary council government of Egypt decided to build a dam at Aswan. It was located about four miles upstream from the old dam. The high dam was built because the first dam was not able to hold enough water. The High dam created a 30% increase in the cultivatable land in Egypt, and raised the water table for Shara as far away as Algeria. The electricity producing capability of the Dam doubled Egypt’s available supply. |
| |
Next Page >> |
|
