Dodola, Oromia – On February 19th, the “Dodola Water Supply Scheme”, which is part of the Arsi Bale Project co-funded by the Italian Development Cooperation and the Government of Ethiopia, was inaugurated. The scheme supplies clean water to a total of a hundred twenty thousand people in the towns of Asasa, Dodola, and Herero, and twelve Peasant Associations located nearby.

Before the completion of this project, the area residents used water from contaminated sources which led to many of them, especially children, to suffer from common waterborne diseases. Now these beneficiaries can access clean water which will significantly improve their health, and as a result, their productivity. The water can be accessed at 78 water points and private taps making it convenient to the citizens of the area. The total cost of the project was 33 million birr.

In his speech during the ceremony, Ambassador Raffaele de Lutio, recognized and thanked those involved in the project, including the government of Ethiopia and the dedicated staff of the Arsi Bale Project. He also strongly affirmed Italy’s commitment to helping Ethiopia achieve poverty eradication.