Ethiopia to increase supply of potable water to Djibouti

Addis Ababa January 21, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia will increase the amount of safe drinking water supplies to Djibouti from 20,000 to 100,000 cubic meters per day, according to the Ministry of Water and Energy.

The Ethio-Djibouti potable water project is a manifestation of regional mutual development that economically integrates the people of the two countries which share similar identity, it was indicated.

Recall that the Ethio-Djibouti cross-border potable water project was commenced six years ago with a loan from the Chinese government based on the water supply agreement between the two countries.

Through the underground wells dug in the Somali region, the water covers 258 kilometers from Shinle-Milo-Harewa-Adigala-Leasrat-Aisha-Dewele to reach Djibouti city.

Delegations of the two countries led by the Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa and Director General of the Djibouti Consulate in Dire Dawa, Ambassador Mussa Haji Jemal, visited Adigala in Somali region and its surroundings where they observed the project’s activities.

After assessing the overall current situation of the project and the improvement works, the two sides have set a direction for the implementation of the improvement works and to resolve the challenges in connection to the water line within a short period of time.

Minister of Water and Energy, Habtamu Itefa said the Ethio-Djibouti potable water project is economically integrating the two nations’ people which share similar identity and it is a manifestation of regional shared development and growth.

The ever-growing ties of Ethiopia and Djibouti through various infrastructures is a model for regional integration, he said, adding that the water project is the real demonstration of the integration.

He said that the project was previously used to produce about 20,000 cubic meters of water each day using oil energy to draw water from the well. However, as part of the improvement activities to be carried out, the project will supply 100,000 cubic meters of water because it will be powered by electricity instead of gas.

Noting the project improvement activity is expected to be completed within a month and be able to supply the intended amount of water to the people of Djibouti, the minister affirmed.

Director General of the Djibouti Consulate in Dire Dawa, Ambassador Mussa Jemal said for his part Ethiopia and Djibouti have been connected by railways, roads, electricity, water and other infrastructures, ENA reported.

The connection of the two countries with various infrastructures will increase the opportunities to prosper together as the economic ties will continue to be strengthened in the future, he affirmed.

The Ethio- Djibouti water development project has been providing immense contribution to narrow the water need of the people of Djibouti, he said.