ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) launched a three billion Birr irrigation project that would cover 11,040 hectares of land in Oromia State, Bale Zone, Dalo Menna Woreda on Tuesday.
“To make poverty history and give breath to the fallen patriots of the State, such projects are essential,” said the Premier in his remarking speech. “Therefore, all the stakeholders, especially the youth and the community at large should exert all their efforts to commence the project.” Commissioner Michael Mehari (PhD) said Welmal Project is one of the two projects that aimed at irrigating 11,040 hectares of land.
The irrigation project will be undertaken on Welmel River and is expected to benefit 22 thousand households. The other irrigation project is Chalchal and will cover 4600 hectares of land located 170 kilometers from Robe town in Bale zone.
These projects are expected to up the irrigation development in the country, the Commissioner noted. Shimalles Abdissa, Oromia State Deputy President, on his part, said that the projects are great additions to the development efforts underway in the State.
“The projects will assist our effort to reduce our dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Thus, we are very thankful to the Federal Government for its continuous and reliable development aids,” Shimelles added.
The projects are financed by the federal government and will be constructed by Oromia Water Works Construction Enterprise and Alemayehu Ketema General Contractor.
The Ethiopian Herald, February 6/2020
BY DIRRIBA TESHOME
