THE THIRST FOR CHANGE:
THE URGENT NEED FOR CLEAN WATER IN ETHIOPIA
By Yonatan Tamiru, Communication and PR Specialist, PSI Ethiopia
Have you ever thought about the true value of clean water in your life? If not, take a moment to think about it.
Think back to the last time you were extremely thirsty but couldn’t find clean water nearby. You may not remember the exact moment, but you probably remember the overwhelming relief and satisfaction you felt when you finally took that first sip. Now imagine a different scenario: What if the only water available to you was dirty and came from a polluted source? Would you feel the same relief and satisfaction? Probably not.
The dangers of unclean water go far beyond discomfort. Contaminated water poses serious health risks, including the spread of communicable diseases. In Ethiopia, between 60 and 80% of communicable diseases are linked to unsafe water sources, according to UNICEF (UNICEF, Ethiopia).
In June 2024, the Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy reported significant progress in access to clean water. According to State Minister Asfaw Dingamo, 72 million people in Ethiopia now have access to clean water (Ethiopian News Agency). However, this figure also reveals a harsh reality — more than 50 million people still do not have access. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this critical problem. There are numerous initiatives involving the private sector, non-governmental organizations and the Ethiopian government, all working together to address this urgent challenge.
Access to clean water is even more difficult in conflict and war zones, where the fighting is intensified. In these regions, not only is access to water supply facilities limited, but the existing sources are often damaged and not promptly repaired. One example of this is the Hitecha water supply in the south Wollo zone, which is facing significant problems due to these circumstances.
To support efforts to alleviate the water crisis in Ethiopia, USAID’s Transform WASH program has launched a construction initiative with a budget of over 10 million dollars. The program is active in six regions, covering 18 woredas and focuses on upgrading and Rehabilitating 27 water facilities, which includes 16 Multi Villages water supplies, 8 small irrigation systems and 3 community irrigation ponds. Thanks to these efforts, so far, more than five water supply improvement projects have been completed, giving over 13,500 people access to clean water and many more people are expected to benefit from the irrigation works too.
By coming together and supporting these initiatives, we can help ensure that more people have access to one of life’s most basic and important needs: clean water.
