Ethiopian Minister, ECA chief visit Koysha hydropower project

Addis Ababa, October 4, 2020 (FBC) –Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr Seleshi Bekele and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) Dr. Vera Songwe visited the construction of Koysha hydropower project.

With 2,160 megawatts generation capacity, Koysha is the fourth hydropower project under construction on Omo River.

Dr Seleshi tweeted that the construction progress of the project has reached 39 percent.

The two officials also visited the 1,870 megawatts Gibe III hydroelectric plant on the same river.

“This visit shows how our country Ethiopia is utilizing its water resources for a sustainable development and to improve the livelihoods of its citizens,” he added.

At a recent energy sector reform consultation, Dr Seleshi announced plan to fully electrify the country by 2025. More than 65% of Ethiopians have no access to electricity.

The country is building the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on Abay River to drive forward its economy by improving access to electricity.