Irrigation in Egypt

Abstract

The Esneh Dam. THE construction of the dam on the Nile near Esneh, which has recently been completed, the last stone being laid by the Khedive, marks another step in the progress of that country since it has been under British control. Less than thirty years ago Egypt was on the verge of financial ruin, the annual expenses exceeding the income, and there not being sufficient revenue to pay the interest on the national debt. The peasantry were in a miserable and poverty-stricken condition, and constantly harassed by the continuous calls under the labour conscription, or corvée, for the repairs of the banks or the cleansing of the irrigation canals. This system has now been entirely done away with; the small farmers are no longer at the mercy of the money-lender, and are in a prosperous and contented condition. The revenue shows a surplus, and the yield of the crops has been enormously increased.