Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — May 21, 2026 | Horn News Hub
A series of infrastructure projects aimed at improving water access, agricultural productivity, and transportation connectivity have been inaugurated in Ethiopia’s Afar Regional State as part of broader government efforts to expand development in lowland areas.
The projects were officially launched over a two day visit led by Ethiopia’s Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Abraham Belay, alongside Afar Regional State President Haji Awel Arba.
According to regional and federal officials, the initiatives are designed to strengthen livelihoods in pastoralist communities by improving access to clean water, supporting climate resilient agriculture, and enhancing transport infrastructure across remote areas of the region.
Among the projects inaugurated in Afar Zone Three were the Adi Hamo Small Scale Irrigation Scheme, the Delesa Woreda Drinking Water Project, and the Berta Clean Water Project in Amibera Woreda.
Officials stated that the projects are expected to improve household water access and support local food production, while also reducing the burden on women and children who often travel long distances to collect water.
The government says the interventions form part of wider efforts to promote food security and increase agricultural production in lowland regions that have historically faced limited infrastructure investment and recurring climate related challenges.
On the second day of the visit, authorities inaugurated a 64 kilometer road linking Gele’alu Woreda in Zone Three with Somorobi Woreda in Zone Five under the Lowland Livelihood Improvement Program.
The road corridor includes a modular Bailey Bridge crossing the Awash River and the 72 meter Arso River Bridge. Local officials said the new transport connection is expected to reduce travel time, improve market access, and facilitate the delivery of emergency and social services.
Government representatives also highlighted the road’s role in strengthening regional trade links between Afar and neighboring Amhara and Oromia regions, while improving mobility for security and administrative services.
During the visit, the federal and regional officials also launched the construction of an additional 36 kilometer road and bridge network connecting Somorobi and Hadele’ela woredas.
Speaking during the commissioning events, Dr. Abraham said the projects demonstrate ongoing efforts to support development in pastoralist areas through infrastructure investment and community participation.
Regional officials added that the projects are intended to expand economic opportunities and improve resilience against drought and climate pressures in Afar, one of Ethiopia’s most climate vulnerable regions.
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