A water project that is fully financed by the government of Japan was kicked off in Bahir Dar City, Amhara Regional State on September 19, 2019. Expected to consume half a billion Birr, the project is covered by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and is located at the area called Abay Mado. Expected to be completed in two years, the project will supply 30,000 cubic metres of water. The project will be undertaken with Japanese contractors and consultants. Besides meeting the clean water demand of Abay Mado, the project will raise the potable water coverage of the city to 80pc from 65pc, according to Yimer Habte, deputy head of the region’s Water, Irrigation & Energy Bureau.