The Ministry of Water and Energy of Ethiopia has completed the €75 million Urban Water Supply and Sanitation Programme, a landmark initiative that has significantly improved access to clean water and sanitation services for urban communities across the country, supported by Team Europe.
The water infrastructure improvements implemented in 43 towns across eight regions of Ethiopia are expected to benefit 2.11 million people and included the development of new water sources, including deep groundwater wells and spring developments, as well as the construction and rehabilitation of transmission and distribution networks. Major infrastructure investments included nearly 1,500 kilometres of water pipelines, 75 water storage reservoirs with capacities ranging from 50 to 2,000 cubic metres, and two conventional water treatment plants in Metehara and Jinka. Additional works included the installation of 79 surface pumps and 61 submersible pumps, water treatment facilities, generator and pump houses, and operational buildings for town water utilities.
Launched more than a decade ago in Addis Ababa, the programme has been supported by Team Europe partners, including the European Investment Bank (EIB Global), the French Development Agency (AFD), the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), and the European Commission (EU). Through a combined investment of €75 million, the initiative has provided sustainable solutions to long-standing challenges related to water scarcity and inadequate sanitation services in urban areas.
Originally published by African Business.