Ethiopian Red Cross Society, quenching the thirst of 67,000 people in Assosa Woreda

The Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS), in collaboration with the Austrian Red Cross (ARC), finalized the construction of a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project in Benshangul-Gumuz Regional State which was inaugurated on May 30, 2021. The Project named Sustainable and Innovative WASH Solution (SIWA) benefits 67,000 people in Abrahamo and Afamegele kebeles of Assosa Woreda.

Attending the inauguration, Getachew Ta’a, Secretary General of ERCS, stated that this remarkable project is realized through the strategic partnership and collaboration of ARC, government and the community. “I call upon the community, concerned government bodies and community representatives to properly manage the newly constructed water sources to serve you for a longer period of time in a sustainable manner” underlined the Secretary General.

During the inauguration, Ato Ababeker Halifa, the regional Agriculture Bureau Head representing the region, said, “We are thankful to ERCS for its integrated humanitarian endeavor across the region. I would also like to thank the Society for constructing and availing clean water source to our people who were in dire of clean water.”

In the past years Mabusa, a mother of nine, who is living in Abrahamo kebele, has experienced incredible suffering from lack of clean water. She had to walk long distances and spend many hours fetching water from the river. According to Mabusa, “The water supply project constructed by the ERCS will not just improve access to essential service but will change entire lives.” She thanked the Red Cross for providing the community the water points in her kebele and enabling her to have safe and clean water.

Abreham Gosaye, Head of Austrian Red Cross Country Delegation Office, said on his part, that in the past ten years the ARC spent more than Birr 90 million and benefitted hundred thousands of people in the region with essential water, sanitation and hygiene service, harmful traditional practice reduction, COVID-19 prevention and other humanitarian works. “We are proud to fund the excellent work taking place in Abrehamo and Afamegele kebeles, which is supplying vital water and sanitation services in Assosa wereda,” said Abreham. “I hope the community participation in digging more than 4km trench for water line installation during the implementation phase of the project can serve as an example to other places.”