ADDIS ABABA – Ethiopia has made significant strides in its efforts to increase clean drinking water access across the country, achieving a coverage rate of 69.52 percent, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, this achievement was announced during a comprehensive discussion on the implementation of the ministry’s performance for the concluded fiscal year 2023/2024, as well as the plans for the current budget year. The discussion was attended by various stakeholders including councilors and was led by Abraha Adugna, State Minister for Water Resources Management. Adugna emphasized the successful initiatives of the past year that significantly contributed to these results, notably in water management and sanitation efforts, and energy development.

The meeting highlighted the implementation of major projects such as the “Dam at My Door” initiative, which aims to collect rainwater to aid drought-affected areas. Additionally, the Ministry has improved coordination of previously fragmented efforts in water well drilling and pipeline construction, resulting in faster service delivery. Engineer Kebede Genole, Head of the Sidama Region Water, Minerals, and Energy Bureau, underscored regional achievements, citing an increase in water coverage to 60 percent and collaboration with Hawassa University on water conservation strategies.

Tajuddin Mohammed, Planning and Monitoring Director of the Oromia Water and Energy Bureau, added that more than 9,600 water projects have been completed over the past year. These projects, which are a result of government and public cooperation, have provided access to clean drinking water for over 2 million people in the region during the fiscal year.