Reconstruction of war-damaged water facilities in northern Ethiopia ramping up: Ministry

Addis Ababa, April 27, 2023 (FBC) – The Minister of Water and Energy announced that the reconstruction of war-damaged water facilities in northern parts of Ethiopia is gaining momentum.

The reconstruction and restoration works are being accelerated with a view to expedite the efforts to ensure access to clean water in conflict affected areas, the Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa disclosed.

He stated that reconstruction of clean water projects is underway in coordinated manner.

Over the last year, the restoration works have been carried out effectively in coordination with Amhara and Afar regions, the Minister said, adding clean that drinking water services have been made available to the public in most areas.

Following the peace agreement reached between the government and the TPLF, an emergency response team has been organized and put into operation in the Tigray region.

He said that experts who were working in the water facilities have been reinstated, and replacement of destroyed water tanks, reconstruction of stolen pipes and damaged equipment has been successfully carried out.

The Minister indicated that the reconstruction works were carried out successfully in Shire, Axum and Adwa areas.

Officials of the Ministry of Water and Energy recently went to Mekele provided material support including vehicles for the reorganization of the Tigray Region Water Bureau.

A committee has been established to solve the Mekele Water Project problem, pledging Ministry’s commitment to solve the problems step by step to benefit the community.

He added that the ministry has spent more than 60 million birr for reconstruction of Chercher Clean Water and managed to benefit more than 30,000 citizens in the area.