16 New Small-Scale Irrigations (SSI) and 2 Pressurized Water Supply Schemes are under construction.
By Mulatu Tadele
It is disclosed that Organization for Rehabilitation and Development in Amhara (ORDA) in collaboration with, Regional Government, International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) and Millennium Development Goals-AWWCE(MDGs) is constructing New Small Scale Irrigations and Pressurized Water Supply schemes with an outlay of over 111 million Ethiopian Birr.
Ato Tewolde Birhanu, Manager of Water Resource Development Program of ORDA, unveiled that 16 new Small Scale Irrigations and 2 Pressurized Water Supply Schemes are under construction in different parts of the region as it is instrumental to ensuring food security in communities where food shortage remains a big challenge.
Small Scale Irrigation and Pressurized Water Supply
The Manager elaborated that Chilala Abay,Kekewa, Tikur Wuha, Bered, Mutefecha, Ayirara, Lower Nillie & Tikur Wuha (Rehabilitation) schemes, which covers 5,834 Command areas, are constructed by the fund obtained from AWCCE-MDGs While Barenb, Timble-2, Lower Tiken, Golina, Gobu-1, Gobu-2, Melka Gobera which cover 1,443 command areas are funded by IFAD. He also explained that the accomplishments of most irrigation schemes are encouraging with some challenges as well.
Furthermore the manager added that, micro irrigation schemes funded by MDG/GAA (German Agro Action) in Worebabo, E/Belesa, Ambasel, Achefer and Spring Developments (SPDs) integrated with Irrigation schemes in Kutaber as well as Tekeze river diversions are being funded by regional government through food security.
The status of all projects under construction is reported to be in good progress. These irrigation schemes are expected to provide services for over 126,000 people after completion.
Gobu Small Scale Irrigation
In addition, the manager explained that two pressurized water supply schemes in Armachiho and in Metema funded by MDG/ AWWCE are under construction. After the completion, he said, around 9,336 citizens will be provided with clean and healthy water.
He further added that community roads construction and rehabilitation activities have also been implemented by the program during the last six months particularly in Wadla, Lasta, Bugna, Gazgibla, Sekota projects and other various areas of the Region.
Metema Agam Weha Safe Water Supply
According to the manager, ORDA Water Resource Development Program targets those community groups who do not yet have access to safe and adequate water, and lack sanitation and hygiene facilities, modern irrigation, river diversions and road infrastructure constructions. The manager further added that the program is working hard to seek a solution for the aforementioned problems in the year 2012.