Through the longstanding and strong cooperation between the Norwegian Development Fund (DF) and Relief Society of Tigray (REST), development in Tigray region has been supported. The cooperation started during the armed struggle against the Derg regime with humanitarian assistance and since 1994 through community based development programmes.
The Agura dam, holding 650.000 cubic meter will ensure water security and give irrigation for an area of 110 ha and benefitting 550 households. The dam is one among around 60 similiar dams in Tigray. Through the integrated agricultural development programme of REST in Tigray the average time to fetch water has been reduced from 3 hours to 20 minutes in project areas, acces to clean water has increased from 33% to 53%, diarrehea prevalence is reduced, job opportunities has been expanded, increased water level is experienced as well as better vegetation cover, and food security is improved (source REST).
Minister counsellor Berit Enge from the Norwegian UN delegation in New York and senior advisor Vibeke Trålim from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Oslo also took part in the visit to Tigray where the delagation also held talks with president Tsegai Berhe, vice president Abay Woldu as well as REST director Teklewoini Assefa.