Addis Ababa፡Horn News Hub-October 23, 2026
Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has officially inaugurated the Megech Irrigation Dam Project, marking a major milestone in agricultural development and economic transformation in the historic city of Gondar and its surrounding communities.
In a message marking the inauguration, the Prime Minister said the project had overcome years of planning and implementation delays, transforming longstanding challenges into a major development opportunity through the government’s Medemer philosophy.
With a water storage capacity of 185 million cubic metres and the potential to develop more than 17,000 hectares of farmland through irrigation, the project is expected to benefit tens of thousands of farmers and help address local development needs on a sustainable basis.
Beyond irrigation, the project is expected to provide a reliable supply of clean drinking water to Gondar and surrounding urban centres, while stimulating broader economic activity in the area.
The artificial lake created by the dam is also expected to open up opportunities for urban agriculture, large-scale fish farming, and tourism-related businesses, including recreational resorts and lodges. These activities could create employment opportunities for local youth, expand commercial activity, and diversify the regional economy.
Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the project’s completion had been made possible through close supervision and sustained support. He also called on the people of Gondar to participate actively in the city’s development, noting that more work remains to be done to realize its full potential.
The inauguration reflects Ethiopia’s broader efforts to expand irrigation infrastructure, improve water security, increase agricultural productivity, and strengthen local economies. By linking water-resource development with farming, tourism, fisheries, and employment creation, the project is expected to contribute to a more diversified and resilient regional economy.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to pursuing inclusive development that encompasses all regions and creates opportunities for every citizen.
