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Tigray, Ethiopia, 9 April 2025 – In a significant step towards rebuilding essential public services in conflict-affected areas, the Edaga Hibret Health Centre and May Hanse Primary School in Asgede Woreda, Tigray, have been successfully rehabilitated and officially handed over to the regional government on April 8 and 9, 2025 respectively. These projects were part of the Response-Recovery-Resilience for Conflict-Affected Communities in Ethiopia (3R4CACE) Project, financed by the World Bank and implemented by UNOPS, demonstrating a commitment to restoring critical health and education services for the community.
The conflict had left both the health centre and the school severely damaged, disrupting access to healthcare and education for thousands. Through these reconstruction efforts, the Government of Ethiopia and its partners have worked to rebuild resilient infrastructure that now serves the needs of the local population.
Healthcare at Edaga Hibret Health Centre - The Edaga Hibret Health Centre, which had previously suffered extensive damage—including the destruction of the outpatient department (OPD), pharmacy, and chemical storage areas has been rehabilitated to once again provide essential healthcare services. The newly improved facility now includes:
- A new pharmacy block to enhance medical supply storage and distribution
- A hybrid toilet building with a septic tank and soak-away pit for better sanitation
- A reliable water supply system to improve hygiene standards
- An electrical system to ensure uninterrupted operations
- External works, such as fencing, gates, walkways, and water points, creating a secure and accessible environment
With these improvements, the health centre is now able to serve 20,000 patients, ensuring better access to quality healthcare, particularly for disabled individuals and vulnerable populations.
Education at May Hanse Primary School - Similarly, May Hanse Primary School has been reconstructed to provide a safe and conducive learning environment for students who had previously been left without a functioning school. The recovery efforts included:
- Two new classroom blocks with six classrooms, each accommodating at least 50 students
- A hybrid toilet building with modern sanitation facilities
- A water supply system to support hygiene and daily school operations
- An electrical system for improved learning conditions
- External works, including fencing, gates, walkways, and landscaping to enhance accessibility and security
As a result, the school now accommodates 1,978 students, many of whom had no access to education due to the conflict. The school has targeted to employ 46 teachers, ensuring that students receive quality instruction. Additionally, blackboards have been procured, and desks are set to be delivered to fully equip the classrooms.
The successful rehabilitation of the Edaga Hibret Health Centre and May Hanse Primary School stands as a testament to the dedication of the Ethiopian government, the World Bank, and UNOPS to restoring essential services and fostering resilience in conflict-affected regions.
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For additional information, please contact:
Meron Aberra, UNOPS HMCO Communications Specialist
merons@unops.org. https://www.tigrayrecoveryprojects.com/