Gedeo Zone, February 14, 2010 (Dilla) - Construction of safe water units is underway in Gedeo Zone, South Ethiopia Peoples' State at a cost of over 17 million Birr , zonal water, mines and energy department said.
Speaking at a day long consultative forum, Department head, Abebayehu Tadesse said the water facilities include, among others, digging of water wells, construction of water reservoir and installation of water pipelines.
Abebayehu said zonal safe water service coverage stands at 46.6 per cent at present. It will grow by 9 per cent upon completion of the projects.
There are 284 water wells and 266 developed springs in the zone.
Zonal Chief, Samuel Kekebo on his part said efforts should be exerted to increase safe water service coverage to 98 per cent in 2004 E.C in the zone.
Chiefs of six woredas, heads of water resource offices and professionals, among others, took part in the forum.