Joint Plan to Develop Water Supply Systems launched in Ethiopia

Nearly 60,000 people will have sustainable access to safe, affordable and equitable drinking water.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Negelle Arsi and Shashamane District Water, Mining and Energy Offices; West Arsi zonal Water, Mining and Energy Office and Siraro-Aje Water Supply Service signed a memorandum understanding with Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia to jointly address water supply needs of nearly 60,000 population in Shashamane and Negele Arsi districts.

In order to meet the pressing needs of the communities for Sustainable access to Safe, Affordable and Equitable Drinking Water, Amref Health Africa in Ethiopia, the local government and communities pledge to design and install sustainable system for safe drinking water that address the communities, schools and health facilities demand for safe water in the two districts. This new water project is expected to serve the targeted communities for more than 15 years.

In a memorandum understanding (MoU) signed today on 9 July 2019 it was noted that out of the 23 million ETB required for the project, 10 million ETB will be covered by the local government and communities, while Amref Health Africa provide the remaining amount through its Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Sustainable Development Goal project. With this partnership, both parties commit to closely work towards achieving the shared objective of providing access to safe water through resource allocation and financing.

Over half a million people are without access to Safe, Affordable and Equitable Drinking Water in Negele Arsi and Shashamene districts and the need for clean water is among the key priorities of the local government.

As part of its efforts to achieve the WASH SDGs – ‘Leveraging resources for achieving universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all by 2030’, Amref Health Africa leverages local resources as one of its strategies to help sustain its projects’ outcomes and achieve the goal. This new collaboration and partnership with local government and communities is crucial for financing water, sanitation and hygiene needs that require huge investment.

Amref Health Africa through its SDG WASH project works towards ensuring Sustainable Access to Safe, Affordable and Equitable Drinking Water for all. With funding from Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs (DGIS), the WASH SDG project as part of WaSH Alliance International Program is being implemented in partnership with IRC-WASH, Wetlands International and WASTE. Amref Health Africa continues its partnership with the government and communities towards its aspiration for lasting health changes in Ethiopia.

For More Information, please contact – kenaw.gebreselassie@amref.org or cell phone at +251 911704787, Abiyot Geremew– Abiyot.geremew@amref.org /+251 911058055