BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
ADDIS ABABA – While confronting the climate shock by supporting communities in need in the short term, medium term water development initiatives will enable proactive responses, so said Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD).
The above remark came when Abiy together with a high-level delegation was on a working visit to the Borena Zone of Oromia state. The delegation visited drought affected area in Yabello Woreda – in the state to further assess challenges of drought affected communities.
In his speech after visiting Yabello Woreda, Abiy stated that as the Horn Region grapples with severe drought, communities like those in Borena, Oromia state are also gravely affected. As to him, the Borena drought is caused by inability to solve water problems. “We will solve this problem from the root soon,” he added.
He also opined that since the Borena people are industrious; the environment is suitable, and the land only needs water, the area can be easily developed by solving the water problem. Works are being done to address the water problem in a sustainable way.
“We believe that we will be able to alleviate the Borena drought as we are working to solve the water problem in a sustainable way,” he indicated. It was stated that rainfall deficits have led to numerous challenges including feed and fodder shortages and limited water access.
In addition to the Prime Minister, the high-level delegation included Oromia State Administrator Shimelis Abdissa, speakers of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and House of Federation Tagesse Chaffo and Agegnehu Teshager respectively, Finance Minister Ahmed Shide, National Disaster Risk Management Commissioner Mitiku Kassa, and other higher government officials, it was learnt.
The February 4/2022
