| |
The main pumping station will draw water from Lake Nasser and release it into the Sheikh Zayed Canal through a discharge basin. Five billion cubic meters of water can be lifted each year by the 21 pumping units within the station. These units can be increased by another three. Aswan's main hydraulic power station will supply the 250 megawatts of electricity required for operation.
A 50 meter deep intake channel – the deepest inland channel ever constructed – will feed water to the pumping station. Two of the largest marine excavators in the world were chosen to accomplish this mammoth task. A consortium of three companies was selected to conduct the LE 1.5 billion (approximately $440 million) project, based on successful past experiences and a proven ability to handle a job of this magnitude.
Paramount to the creative design of the station was that the edifice would reflect Egypt's rich cultural heritage. The final design was chosen because of its dynamic use of Pharaonic style architecture and the finished building will no doubt achieve a reputation for beauty as much as functionality.
Innovative policies have been implemented to protect the environment from noise and oil pollution that might typically accompany the operation of a pumping station of this size.
All materials are completely lead free and manufactured in compliance with environmental protection requirements. While traditional pumping stations often leak oil into the water, the design of the Mubarak Station circumvents this problem by isolating all systems requiring lubrication. Noise levels will be substantially reduced through a design that embeds the pumping units into concrete. This also reduces vibrations that could disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the lake. The extra expense associated with these safeguards is considered a worthwhile investment to protect the environment. Sewage from the pumping station and the housing developments is treated in a two-stage process before disposal. To further prevent pollution, construction will be limited to less than 15 percent of the area. The rest of the land will be dedicated to attractive parks and greenbelts, improving neighborhood aesthetics.
Indeed, the Toshka project has addressed virtually every aspect of the new community. As the pumping station is being constructed, the first neighborhood of Toshka is being built nearby. Government subsidized accommodations, services, and infrastructure will provide modern conveniences for the workers and easy access to their jobs.
Beautiful, new kindergarten and preparatory schools are being built under the supervision of the Ministry of Education. Other amenities to be provided immediately include clinics, a police station, cinemas, and sports and social clubs. |
|
