The Ministry of Water Resources of Ethiopia is a federal organization established by the proclamation number 4/1995 to undertake the management of water resources of Ethiopia . This involves development, planning and management of water resources, development of polices, strategies and programs, develop and implement water sector laws and regulations, conduct study and research activities, provide technical support to regional water bureaus and offices and sign international agreements.

To undertake its duties the ministry has organized itself into 12 functional Departments, 7 Services, one Office and one Center. Apart from these, there are also 4 organizations, which are accountable to and semi-autonomous in nature. Most of the planning, management and development activities are carried out with the consultation and involvement of partners from the federal, the regional water bureaus and collaborators such as NGO's and Donors.

MANDATES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Ministry of Water Resources of Ethiopia has the following Mandate and Responsibilities:

1. Determine conditions and methods required for the optimum allocation and utilization of water that flows across or lies between more than one Regional Governments among various uses and regions
2. Prepare draft laws concerning the protection and utilization of Water resources
3. Issue permits to construct and operate water works relating to water
4. Make appropriate studies concerning water tariff and upon approval collect bulk charges for water use
5. Undertake studies pertaining to the utilization of the waters of trans-boundary rivers and upon approval, follow up the implementation of same;
6. Prepare plans that help to properly utilize water resources for development purposes and supervise their implementation upon approval,
7. Provide all the assistance deemed necessary with regard to water resources development.
8. Sign international agreements relating to trans--boundary Rivers in accordance with the law.
9. In cooperation with the appropriate organs, prescribe the quality standards for waters to be used for various purposes;
10. Supervise the proper rendering of meteorological services.

VISION

To see strong water sector whose basin plan led development is ensured in a sustainable & dependable manner & that can significantly contribute to rapid socio-economic growth of the country, thus rendering it to become prosperous & a model for Africa .

MISSION

Coordinating development forces and partners, bring about, in the country, a comprehensive, river basin based water resources management and enable our water resources play a decisive role in the countries growth and prosperity by formulating and implementing appropriate policy, strategy, development program and legal framework.

VALUES

• Water is Life.
• We shall bring about fair & equitable allocation of Water.
• We would establish a comprehensive and integrated Water resources Management approach.
• We are the Bank for Water Resources data and information
• We would bring rapid development through efficient and equitable water utilization.
• We work to provide quality Water Supply.
• We would sustain unpolluted water for generation.
• We would undertake equitable and reasonable water sharing and utilization with riparian states.
• We work to enhance the participation of women in water resources development and management.

Introduction History Organization