Ethiopia to receive US $46M for Borana Resilient Water Development Program

Ethiopia is set to receive a sum of US $46M for the Borana Resilient Water Development for Improved Livelihoods Program in the southern part of the nation

The funding which will be allocated by the African Development Fund is aimed at addressing water scarcity and sanitation challenges in the Borana zone of Ethiopia’s Oromia region. It will be used for the second phase of the program. The region faces challenges such as inconsistent rainfall, recurrent droughts, water scarcity, and conflicts over resources.

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Borana Resilient Water Development Program

The program will focus on constructing and enhancing water production and transportation infrastructures, establishing livestock watering points, improving sanitation facilities in educational and health institutions, conducting hygiene promotion campaigns, and establishing a rural water utility.

The program aims to mitigate the effects of drought, support sustainable and climate-resilient water solutions, enhance service delivery, fortify catchment management frameworks, and improve water management practices. The primary beneficiaries are rural and semi-urban communities in Borana, including pastoralists and lower-income families, with a focus on women and youth. Approximately 35,816 individuals will gain access to water services, and around 21,000 people will have improved sanitation facilities.

Dr. Beth Dunford, Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, and Osward Chanda, Water Development and Sanitation Director at the African Development Bank Group, have provided leadership and support for this initiative.