The water supply project which has delayed for over 8 years finally becomes operational in Arsi Zone. The project cost approximately US $ 1.9m. It is designed to provide potable water to 70,000 people who live in Kore and Aradyita Weredas. It also includes installing pumps, generators and other pipe fitting accessories.
The water project is a part of the regional state’s Water, Mineral & Energy Bureau (OWMEB) project. OWMEB is looking to construct 52 water projects with a cost of close to US $129m. 34 of these projects are currently under construction. Starting from Kore, the project passes through 48Km of transmission and distribution pipes, having four ponds. It provides water for four cattle troughs and 17 water points.
Also read: Capacity Building Crucial to Water Sector Development in Ethiopia
Causes of delay
Underperformance of the first contractor, Dome Contractor, as well as the cancellation of the bid caused the delays. This is according to OWMEB deputy head and leader of Clean Water Work Process Gezahegn Lemecha.
Following the suspension, the Bureau awarded WADA Engineering Plc to take over the project nine months ago. WADA would get a contract worth US $374,100. The remaining amount was paid to Dome for some undertaken construction works.
WADA has been involved in the construction of seven water supply projects such as Shebe and Jimma. Three months ago, it refurbished Yemariam River, located at a locality Kechene in Addis Abeba, with US $688,000.
The financial year that just ended has seen the Bureau complete 72 water supply projects in various parts of the region. This is while providing pure water to half a million people. Currently, more than 207 water supply projects are undergoing at zonal levels since 2014.
