CAIRO: Within two months the Archeological Engineering Center at Cairo University (AEC) will pump out the underground water in the area surrounding the Sphinx in a LE 2 million project, Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) said in a press statement. Dr Hafez Abdel Azim, head of the AEC described the water movements under the Valley Temple of Kafre as stable; as up to seven experimental wells have been dug, pumping 260 cubic meters of water every hour. This comes amid concern for the safety of the ancient structure from underground water and other environmental elements. Hawass said that the studies conducted showed that the water is potable and it was found within normal levels, at 4.8 meters below ground. The study was carried out by the Ecology and Engineering Center. The wells have successfully reduced the water to 70 percent of its original volume. Thirty-three monitoring points used to detect movement of the Sphinx's body have also confirmed that the structure is stable. Hawass explained that a comprehensive two-year study on the sources of the underground water will be carried out in collaboration with the United Nations Development Program, the AEC and other Egyptian experts. A fund of LE 40 million has been established for this project, which should prevent future groundwater problems. Culture Minister Farouk Hosni unveiled the first phase of a site management project for the Giza plateau on Aug. 11, providing new special paths for tourists, a new service area and the installation of electronic gates.
