The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Environment has announced that Ethiopia is currently in the process of constructing 28 irrigation dams.
Efforts are underway to partially complete 13 of these dams within the current fiscal year. The ministry has allocated over 8 billion birr for the completion of these projects by the end of the year.
According to Mr. Bizuneh Tolcha, the Public Relations and Communication Executive of the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland Environment, a total of 28 irrigation development projects are currently underway across the country.
Upon the partial completion of 13 projects, an impressive 2,450 hectares of land will be developed.
In addition to the ongoing construction, a research and design project is in progress to build 27 new irrigation dams.
The feasibility study for seven of these dams is expected to be completed this year. These prospective dams, located in seven regions, are projected to develop 103 thousand hectares of land upon completion.
Mr. Tolcha also highlighted ongoing maintenance efforts for irrigation projects in the current fiscal year. Notably, the Kobo Girana Groundwater Irrigation Development Project underwent repairs costing 138 million birr.
Furthermore, the repair and installation of 31 deep wells, along with the addition of a water pumping engine, are expected to enable the cultivation of an additional 800 hectares of land, out of the 2,800 hectares cultivated previously.
The Alwero irrigation system, built three decades ago in the Gambella region, capable of cultivating 10 thousand hectares, is set to undergo infrastructure repairs.
Small and medium irrigation dams in various areas are expected to cultivate 830 hectares of crops and pastures. Additionally, a significant initiative involves the distribution of solar-powered irrigation water pumping motors (pumps) for a total cost of 150 million birr.
However, several challenges are impeding the timely completion of these projects, including limitations in contractor capacity, shortages of cement, compensation issues, and security concerns.
Despite these challenges, Ethiopia remains committed to advancing its irrigation infrastructure for agricultural development, Mr Tolcha added.
Ethiopia is currently in the process of constructing the largest dam in Africa on the Abay (Nile) River, with the project boasting a substantial cost of $5 billion. Named the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), this initiative has raised concerns from Egypt and Sudan, primarily focused on the potential impact of the dam on their water shares.
The central contention revolves around fears that Ethiopia’s construction of this massive dam may lead to a reduction in the availability of water downstream, affecting both Egypt and Sudan. In response, both countries have expressed their apprehensions and emphasized the need for equitable water distribution.
Ethiopia, however, contends that the primary purpose of GERD is to generate electricity rather than serving irrigation needs. The nation asserts that the dam is crucial for addressing its energy deficit and boosting the overall socio-economic development of the country. With more than 65 percent of Ethiopians currently lacking access to electricity, the GERD project is positioned as a critical solution to this significant challenge.
Recognizing the potential for regional tensions arising from water disputes, the African Union has taken on the role of mediator in the tripartite negotiations involving Ethiopia, Egypt, and Sudan. The aim is to facilitate a resolution that addresses the concerns of all parties involved, ensuring fair and sustainable water usage along the Nile River.
It is imperative to note that the GERD project represents a multifaceted challenge, requiring a delicate balance between the developmental needs of Ethiopia and the water security concerns of downstream nations. The ongoing negotiations under the auspices of the African Union reflect a commitment to finding a mutually beneficial resolution that acknowledges the diverse interests and priorities of the involved countries.
Ethiopia is steadfast in its commitment to addressing its energy needs through the construction of the GERD, the diplomatic and technical intricacies of Nile River water management necessitate a collaborative approach for a sustainable solution that accommodates the concerns of all stakeholders.
