Significant progress has been made in expanding access to essential services in Ethiopia, with 76 million people now having access to clean drinking water, according to a recent report from the Ministry of Water and Energy. Dr. Habtamu Itefa, the Minister, highlighted these achievements, along with advancements in electricity provision, over the first nine months of the fiscal year.
The Minister emphasized successful initiatives aimed at improving access to clean water across both rural and urban areas. Infrastructure projects in these regions have yielded positive results, bringing the total number of Ethiopians with access to safe drinking water to 76 million – a significant milestone in the nation's development efforts. These projects have notably improved clean water coverage in both rural and urban areas, with particular attention given to drought-prone regions.
Furthermore, remote communities previously unconnected to the national power grid are now benefiting from solar energy, providing electricity access to previously underserved populations.
The "Tapping Water Through Dams" initiative has also seen successful implementation of rainwater harvesting systems in drought-affected areas. Notably, over 200 schools now have water collection systems, providing a valuable resource for students and the surrounding communities.
Dr. Habtamu underscored the importance of ongoing groundwater and surface water assessments in shaping future policies and ensuring sustainable resource management. Data collection efforts have been strengthened over the past nine months to facilitate informed decision-making in this crucial sector.