MESSAGE FROM THE MINISTER

Water is a very vital natural resource for the development of human beings. However, it is not readily available in time and space to support human development as desired. Quality and sustainability also is becoming an increasing concern. In under-developed countries like Ethiopia, where population growth rate is alarming, infrastructure is not yet well developed, rugged topography and added with the low level of awareness at all levels, improving access to such a crucial resource is very much challenging.

Currently, about half of the total population of the country does not have clean water access, and the sanitation situation is extremely lower. So far, out of 3.7 million hectares of potential irrigable land, the already developed is not more than 8%. Out of the estimated 30,000 MW of hydropower potential, only less than 3% have been implemented. These above-mentioned facts signal to exert high level of attention.

Realizing the situation, the government of Ethiopia is providing incremental support to leverage the development of the sector through the allocation of resources. Furthermore, the government endorsed the implementation of Universal Access Plan (UAP); a target that exceeds the Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

The government of Ethiopia is making every effort through setting policy directives, and taking appropriate measures to create conducive environment for investment. Special emphasis is given for health, education, infrastructure, water etc. Opportunities for intervention are in place more than any other time in the history of the country. I believe if all concerned parties: stakeholders, partners, donors, financers, the private sector and NGOs; can join hands to support government backed initiatives; it is indeed achievable.

I would like to call everyone to stand in support of the efforts we are making: professionally, financially, technically and through advisory means in the various initiatives in the sector so as to minimize water stress and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of our people.

May God Bless You All.

Asfaw Dingamo
Minister