State Minister of Water Resources Management at the Ministry of Water and Energy, Dr. Abrha Adugna stated that the emergency pre-flood prevention work carried out last rainy season under Ethiopia's flood prevention project has yielded good results.
The State Minister explained that flood prevention work had been ongoing since 2014 using government budget, but budget constraints had hindered the ability to fully control the damage caused by floods to agriculture and infrastructure.
He explained that the emergency pre-flood prevention work carried out last rainy season on the Awash River, with funding from the World Bank, significantly reduced the damage that would have otherwise occurred.
He stated that 151 kilometers of dykes were constructed along the upper, middle, and lower Awash River, and indicated that pre-flood prevention work will continue in other areas in the future.
He noted that flood prevention work is being carried out in a timely manner, taking into account development projects, through collaborative discussions with regional, zonal, and district leaders, as well as the community.
He also stated that design studies are underway on the Omo River and Rift Valley lakes. Aden Abdo, head of the Awash Basin Administration Office, stated that the Awash River is a source of hope for the community, and that the pre-flood prevention work carried out has pleased the community more than ever before.
He added that they have identified areas requiring special attention with regional leaders and are prepared.
AMN reported citing the information obtained from the Ministry that a plan is in place to coordinate stakeholders and begin work before the next rainy season.