United Nations to execute water project in Ethiopia

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed an agreement with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Office in Ethiopia, to execute a water project in the Somali Region, Ethiopia.

The Jerrer Valley and Shebele Sub-Basin water supply development plan is estimated to cost $9m and will be implemented within the 18 months.

The project is in response to the official request of the Government of Ethiopia to the Government of Japan following the 2011 drought crisis in the Horn of Africa.

The aims of the project are to assess the potential of water resources in Jerrer Valley and Shebele Sub-Basin; develop capacity of the counterpart personnel in the planning of water supply; improve water supply in Kebribeya town; conduct a feasibility in Gode town; and provide emergency water supply equipment.

JICA will construct of five communal water supply points as well as a generator house, pipes and fittings for connection with the main water supply system, newbusinessethiopia.com reports.

The project will benefit around 56,000 people from the local community, who have limited access to the safe water, as well as 16,400 Somali refugees.