the rusting remains of the giant german-built excavation machine – nicknamed "sarah" - are visible in satellite images near the south end of the canal. it was damaged by a missile. as peace was restored in 2000, speculation grew about a restart of the project. however on february 2, 2008, the sudanese government said the revival of the project was not a priority. however, in 2008, sudan and egypt agreed to restart the project and finish the canal after 24 years.