Ethiopia praises Work Bank support for water projects
November 2, 2008 (ADDIS ABABA) — The Ethiopian minister of water resource yesterday praised the World Bank for its support to water projects in the country. Asfaw Dingamo also confirmed the implementation of these projects is underway.
The World Bank has allotted 109 million U. S. dollars to the potable water and sanitation projects being carried out to address the safe drinking water problems of Addis Ababa, Mekelle, Hawassa, Jimma and Gondar towns, the private WIC news agency quoted Asfaw as saying.
Of the total fund, some 84 million dollars were allocated to potable water and sanitation projects of the capital Addis Ababa, he said.
The implementation of potable water and sanitation projects in 246 woredas and 146 small towns as well as activities that enable to irrigate 20,000 hectares of land are underway with the support of the World Bank, he said on Saturday.
The potable water and sanitation projects of 15 towns are being carried out with 116 million birr (11.6 million dollars) through Ethiopia’s Water Development Fund, he said, adding that the World Bank has provided 45 million dollars for basin developments to be carried out along north Ethiopia’s Abay River.
In terms of access to safe water and sanitation facilities, Ethiopia ranks among the lowest in the world. Only 24 percent of the population have access to safe water supplies, while only 15 percent have adequate sanitation.
(ST)