Ethiopia has set plan to raise rural water supply by 25 liter water a day per person within one kilometer radius from the base line 15 liter a day per head with 1.5 kilometer in GTP II period.

Minister of Water, Irrigation and Electricity Motuma Mekesa said provision of water is an indication of economic development and Ethiopia has set a goal to supply water and sanitation for millions of people in four regions.

He also said the Ministry, to achieve the goal of becoming a middle-income country, intends to work hard to improve provision of water supply and drainage system in Ethiopia.

An estimated USD 44.2 billion is needed to achieve the goal and the amount is expected to come from internal and external sources through the basket fund mechanism.

Through the financial assistance of Italian Development Cooperation (IDC), water supply and sanitation projects in five towns have been completed and begun operation.

The projects in Durame, Genda Whua, Huruta, Limugenet and Shire Endassilassie are expected to benefit over 170,000 peoples. An outlay of 106 million Birr was spent on the projects, it was learnt.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency