73% of inhabitants of Southern region get access to potable water supply

73% of the inhabitants of the Southern region have got access to potable water supply, according to Mr. Hailemichael Eyob, branch head of the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment in the region.

Mendefera, 22 March 2011 – 73% of the inhabitants of the Southern region have got access to potable water supply, according to Mr. Hailemichael Eyob, branch head of the Ministry of Land, Water and Environment in the region.

Noting that prior to independence there were only 56 hand-pump water sources in the region, he explained that at present the number has increased to 539 sources operating by solar and motor generators. The residents of 8 towns have also become beneficiaries of an advanced electricity-generated potable water supply.

Mr. Hailemichael further explained that various training courses are being organized focusing on water management. This year’s action program is aimed at enabling 80% of the local population get access to potable water, he stated. In this regard, he emphasized the significance of the construction of 400 micro-dams and water reservoirs in the region in enriching  underground water resource.

Reports indicated that there are 387 hand-pump, 72 solar energy and 80 motor-generated potable water supply projects in the rural areas of the region, whereas advanced potable water supply project involving running water has been put in place at about 200  million Nakfa in the towns of Adi-Keih, Dekemhare, Mai-Dima and Dubarwa.