Officials hope to mitigate the impacts of drought on the wide livestock population of Borena Zone, Oromia Regional State, by constructing groundwater wells.

Under Wash Program, the project is expected to benefit close to 43,000 populace frequently impacted by climate change.

The World Bank disbursed 90 million Br to three locations that will generate 1,728 cubic metres daily at the Elwaya area, while 46 million Br is allotted to the Wachele area to build six wells with a daily capacity of 2,592 cubic metres each.

It is implemented by the Ministry of Water & Energy with hopes of reaching drought-prone areas, according to State Minister Asfaw Dingamo.

Getnet Getu, communications director at the Ministry, said the scarcity is exacerbated by the huge livestock population in the area, which jeopardizes the livelihood of the pastoralists. According to Getnet, the plan includes supplying animal and potable water for inhabitants.

The Ministry signed an agreement with Oromia Construction Company (OCC) a month ago, with four months expected delivery time. The Company was established three years ago and has completed over 181 projects with 3,089 employees under its fleet.

A staggering 2.4 million heads of livestock have died due to dehydration and pasture over the past three years, according to the risk assessment report by FAO.

The magnitude of the drought that had tightly gripped the south-eastern parts of the country since 2020 is unprecedented in half a century, leaving more than 11 million people in acute food insecurity while affecting more than 24 million people. According to FAO’s 2021 report, communities in Borena and Dawa zones need up to 12 years to recover from the ravages of severe drought.

Residents in the Wachele area walk nearly 15Km daily carrying their jerrycans in search of water.

Fatuma Mussa, a mother of two, faces the long walk to hydration, carrying a 20ltr jerrycan accompanied by her eldest daughter. After all the hardships, the fetched water is infected, leading to water-borne diseases.