ADDIS ABABA – Corrective economic measures have been introduced to exhaustively use resources at hand and avoid ambitious and capital intensive projects that require large and external loans, Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed said.
The Premier made the remark Sunday while inaugurating the 1.26 billion Birr worth Gidabo Irrigation Dam Project located between the Oromia and SNNP States. As to him, making use of the internal capacity properly, the government has decided to focus on developing resources at hand in a view to accomplishing the construction of various huge irrigation dam projects aiming to speed up the pace of economic and social integration among various states of the country.
“ Shortening the execution period of projects would help the country to pay back its debt and stimulate the stagnant economy,” he added. The Gidabo project was started in 2010 with 258 million Birr initial capital on Gidabo River. However, it has a six year time overrun due to several design change, it was learnt.
The project which has the capacity to contain 62.5 million cubic meters of water would benefit 10, 000 farmers and believed to create over 192,000 jobs, the premier said. In addition, the dam will promote tourism, fishery and helpful to conserve natural environment, he noted.
Moreover, the dam project would enhance the social and economic relations of the two states, he underlined. The government would persistently endeavors to ensure national development through expanding similar projects across the country, he stated.
The Ethiopian Herald, February 5/2019
BY YOHANES JEMANEH
