ADDIS ABABA-Youths, who are producing fish in Abbay Dam’s artificial lake, said the lake has become a major source of jobs and income for citizens who are drawn from various parts of Ethiopia.
The youth told local media that owing to the artificial lake, fishery has become the major means of employment and source of income.
A youngster Itman Mohammed indicated that the artificial lake has created a significant number of jobs for the youth that are organized in fishery associations. “We are producing up to two quintals of fish daily and supply our products to the market using a motor boat, net, and a hook.”
According to him, the lake has also made big leaps in improving the livelihoods of low income youth that are flocking to the area in the search for jobs.
A fishing trainer,AlemawDesalegne, from Arba Minch, stated that owing to the artificial lake, he got the job, and he is currently providing practical training for the youth fishery associations in Benishangul.
Emphasizing the artificial lake’s immense fish resource, Alemaw expressed his delight over the experience with fellow youth and help them to change their livelihoods.
Another trainer,YeshiambelWorku, from Bahir Dar, also obtained the job in Benishangul. He said, “Apart from job creation, the dam under construction gives the opportunity for Ethiopians across different corners of the country to meet and know one another, thereby fostering fraternity and solidarity.”
Assosa Abay Fish Shop Owner and General Manager Birhanu Ibene said that besides offering the necessary support and training for the youth, his shop also purchased fish from the latter. Also, in a bid to increase fishery production, capacity building and essential support have been provided to fishery associations using modern boat and fishing equipment.
“Abbay Dam’s artificial lake is of great importance for the youth to be employed and to provide fish for Assosa and the central market at a fair price,” he remarked.
During the past seven months of the current fiscal year, the Benishangul State produced 1,310 tons of fish from the annual plan of 1,800 tons. Much of the production was said to be secured from the artificial lake.
It is to be recalled that on April 2, 2024, Ethiopia commemorated the 13th anniversary of the launching of the construction of the Abbay Dam under the theme “Together We Made It Possible.”
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 5 APRIL 2024
