Praiseworthy soil and water conservation activities

At an activity assessment meeting held in Mendefera on 26 December it was reported that in 2018 commendable activities in which over half a million people took part were implemented in the Southern region.

Mendefera, 02 January 2019- At an activity assessment meeting held in Mendefera on 26 December it was reported that in 2018 commendable activities in which over half a million people took part were implemented in the Southern region.

The activities include soil and water conservation, dirt roads maintenance as well as environmental sanitation activities, construction of terraces and water diversion schemes, maintenance of dams and micro-dams, planting tree seedlings, digging wells and installation of water pipe lines, maintenance of 670 km dirt roads as well as maintenance of health and educational facilities and construction of residential houses for teachers.

Regarding agricultural activities, 156,676 hectares of land had been cultivated across the region and about 1.2 million quintals of crops, cereals and oil seed crops is expected to be harvested. Over a million quintals of vegetables had been collected from seven hectares of land that has been cultivated.

Moreover, preliminary research on heritage has been conducted in the sub-zones of Senafe, Areza and Dubaruwa.

The participants conducted extensive discussion on the reports presented and called for thorough study on the culture and heritage, strong follow up on migrating army worms as well as awareness raising programs on harmful practices.

The Governor of the Southern region, Mr. Efrem Gebrekrstos said that in 2019 more focus will be given to soil and water conservation activities, community based environmental sanitation activities as well as strengthening participation of the public in the implementation of development programs.