The irrigation dam being on the Omo River, Ethiopia for the six sugar factories being built in the region is progressing six months into construction.
The construction of a 840 meter long 26 meter high temporary structure to store the water has been fully completed with the water extending to a depth of 24 meters.
The permanent structure of the dam will be jointly constructed by the Ethiopian Water Works Construction Enterprise and a Chinese contractor beginning in this fiscal year said Moges Kifle, river diversion project manager.
The agreement struck with the sugar corporation stipulates the completion of the permanent structure in two years but it is expected that 90% will be finalized in the first year according to Moges.The EWWCE has completed 94% of the first phase of the program on the Omo Kuraz Sugar Development Project. The enterprise will also be in charge to construct the 5.5 kilometer main can and cross structures.
The digging of the main canal has been completed and the construction of the cross structures has been launched with 85% of the overall project completed according to Moges.
It is expected that the first phase of the irrigation project will support the development of 6000 hectares of sugarcane plantations.
The Ethiopian Sugar Corporation has contracted with the South Water Works Construction Enterprise to build 18.5 kilometers of the main canal as well as the secondary and tertiary canals with the main canal expected to be completed in September explained Wubayehu Tizazu, Head of the Omo Kuraz Irrigation Development Project.
Source: Walta
