MoWE Signs 2.89 Billion Birr Agreement to Expand Clean Water Access and Climate Resilience
EAPP
ADDIS ABABA, December 23, 2025 — The Ministry of Water and Energy (MoWE) of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia today officially signed a series of landmark contracts totaling 2.89 billion Birr. These agreements are designed to accelerate the implementation of large-scale drinking water and sanitation projects across multiple regional states, marking a significant step toward the "One WASH" National Programme goals.
The contracts were signed by H.E. Ambassador Asfaw Dingamo (PhD), State Minister for Drinking Water and Sanitation, in a ceremony attended by representatives from local construction firms and development partners.
Bridging the Infrastructure Gap
The newly commissioned projects focus on design, drilling, construction, and rigorous supervision to ensure sustainable water delivery. Among the primary beneficiaries are the residents of the Wachile, Elwaya, and Darolabu districts. Specifically:
The Wachile Project: A 719.2 million Birr agreement awarded to Green Construction PLC and Wada Hala General Contractor.
The Elwaya Project: A 949.9 million Birr initiative aimed at providing clean water to arid pastoralist communities.
The Darolabu Project: The largest single portion of the deal, valued at 1.38 billion Birr, focusing on integrated sanitation and water supply systems.
"Water is the cornerstone of our national security and public health," said Ambassador Asfaw during the signing. "These contracts are not merely infrastructure projects; they are a commitment to our citizens that the Ministry will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that no community—regardless of its location—is left without reliable access to clean water."
Emphasis on Quality and Speed
In a move to ensure rapid delivery, the Ministry has mandated that all drilling activities be completed within 60 days, with the broader sanitation and construction works slated for completion within one year. This aggressive timeline reflects the Ministry’s shift toward more efficient project management systems, including the recently adopted AI-Powered Digital Archiving System (AIDAS) for tracking procurement and construction milestones.
Alignment with "Green Legacy" and Energy Goals
This announcement comes on the heels of the 2nd Ethiopian Water and Energy Week, where the Ministry reiterated its commitment to a "Blue-Green" economy. By integrating these water projects with renewable energy sources—such as solar-hybrid mini-grids—MoWE is ensuring that water extraction remains climate-neutral and cost-effective for rural electricity consumers.
The projects are funded through a combination of government budget allocations and support from international development partners, including the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
