The Ethiopian government has revived plans to rehabilitate the Alwero Dam, a major hydroelectric project abandoned for over three decades. This move aims to unlock the dam's potential, benefiting both investors seeking agricultural opportunities and local smallholder farmers.
The Alwero Dam, a joint venture with the former Soviet Union, was largely shelved after the 1991 government transition. While construction was completed, the ambitious irrigation project associated with the dam was neglected. Located 49 kilometers south of Gambella city, the dam holds significant promise for the Baro Akobo River Basin.
The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowland (MILLs) is now committed to reviving the project. Recognizing the dam's potential, the ministry is working to maximize its utilization. The Office of the Federal Auditor General previously reported that the 648 million birr dam, currently managed by the central government, remained idle.
Addressing parliamentary concerns, Minister Abraham Belay acknowledged the ministry's past shortcomings. He highlighted a commitment to rectifying ongoing disinfection projects and reviving abandoned projects like Alwero. The minister emphasized that the rehabilitated dam could cultivate over 10,000 hectares of land, significantly benefiting the local population and attracting agricultural investors.
While private sector interest exists, investors have primarily focused on rain-fed agriculture. Journalist Wudineh Zenebe observed that despite government permissions, utilizing the dam for irrigation has not been a primary focus for these investors.
The current administration prioritizes irrigation-based agriculture. This contrasts with previous administrations and reflects a broader shift in policy. Lawmakers have previously expressed dissatisfaction with the ministry's handling of unfinished projects, urging swift action.
Minister Abraham outlined significant reforms within MILLs. These include the development of 30 new standards for design, construction, and procurement, with input from prominent universities and the Ethiopian Standards Institute. These standards aim to improve project efficiency and reduce delays.
The ministry is currently overseeing projects worth 120 billion birr. However, budget constraints and challenges with project management, including contractor inefficiency, have hindered progress. To address these issues, the ministry is terminating contracts for some major projects and establishing a new project management office to improve oversight. The story is from Capital.