The hydropower agreement will cover feasibility studies for Mandaya and Beko-Abo power stations, each with a potential capacity of 2000 MW. The overall goal of the multipurpose projects is to develop reliable and environmentally sustainable power supply and improved living standards for Ethiopia and the region. Another important component in the programme is capacity-building for Ministry of Water-Resources to further enhance existing competence.
The total cost of the two studies are estimated to be more than 300 million ETB (at current costs) and will open for international bidding.
The 3 year agreement concerning academic cooperation between Mekelle and Hawassa Universities and the University of Life Sciences in Norway, is aimed at improving livelihood of rural poor communities in the rift valley and arid highlands of Ethiopia. Strengthening education quality, development oriented research and organizing of training programmes of stakeholders to tune their programmes and policies in an environmentally friendly manner are components of the programme. Earlier support has contributed to increased research and educational competence within natural resource-management, food-security and environment.
”Developing her hydropower resources is crucial to underpin Ethiopia’s overall economic development and industrialization efforts and make the development sustainable”, says Ambassador Jens-Petter Kjemprud. “Ethiopia and Norway have more or less similar hydropower potential. As we have developed ours, we would like to support Ethiopia doing the same and share our experiences. This agreement for feasibility studies on Beka Abo and Mandaya is an indication of that will”, says the ambassador.
“I am also very happy that we are able to support the continuation of our support to Hawassa and Mekelle Universities particularly in their natural resource management programmes, where both have given impressive contributions to the government’s efforts”, concludes ambassador Kjemprud.
For more info, see www.norway.org.et, or contact the Embassy telephone 011 371 07 99