Addis Ababa, January 28, 2023 (FBC) – The Ethiopian Water Technology Institute (EWTI) has received 100 million Birr worth of water machinery from Japan, the Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) said.
It was stated that since it reinforced itself with material and personnel in 2016, the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute provided practical training to more than 7,700 water sector professionals across the country in 25 training stations.
EWTI received water machinery worth more than 100 million Birr from the government of Japan for training and deep well drilling. The backing is said to help EWTI realize its vision of becoming a center of excellence in Africa by building capacity in the water sector and technology transfer.
Minister of State for Drinking Water and Sanitation Sector at MoWE, Asfaw Dingamo, in his remarks at the handing over, stated that the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has been providing various supports in building the capacity of Ethiopia’s water sector for the past 25 years.
He stated that thousands of Ethiopian water experts have received technical training from JICA in short-term and medium-term schedule. He indicated that they are now working extensively in different regions. According to the State Minister, this training is part of JICA’s ongoing support to Ethiopia.
Asfaw mentioned that the training and drilling machinery donated by the Japanese government is a big investment. It will help to further develop and eventually ensure continuity of internal capacity, he said.
Katsuki Morihara, the Chief Representative of the JICA Ethiopia Office, for his part, said that Japan has been providing extensive support to Ethiopia in agriculture, private sector development, water and sanitation, water infrastructure, education, and health sectors.
Director General of the Ethiopian Water Technology Institute, Tamene Hailu, stated that his organization is focusing on four core proceedings in line with its mission.
The Ministry of Water and Energy statement on social media indicates that the machinery handed over can drill up to 350 meters deep and is one of the factors that make the practical training effective.