Megeche Irrigation Project Enters Historic Phase, Ministry Confirms

Addis Ababa, November 7, 2025 (ENA) – The Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands (MILLs) announced that the Megeche Irrigation Development Project has entered a "historic phase". 

Abraham Belay, Minister of MILLs, described the day as historic for the project, which is now showing tangible progress after years of setbacks.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed visited the project site to review construction progress and assess the technical performance of the dam.

The Megeche Irrigation Dam, after more than 15 years of construction delays that drew complaints from local communities, is now seeing tangible progress.

The Minister noted that the government has made continuous efforts to address the concerns of the Megeche people. “The project has gone through years of challenges, but today marks a turning point,” he said.

The project was revitalized following a special decision made by Prime Minister Abiy in 2017 EFY to hire a new contractor.

The Prime Minister explained that expert inspections identified and resolved the root technical problems, setting the project on a firm foundation.

Minister Abraham added that international consultants conducted a detailed study to ensure all structural and technical challenges were addressed. The dam’s construction is now proceeding under an efficient management system.

The Minister stated that a significant milestone was reached today as the work to redirect the river course and build the dam from end to end was successfully completed.

“From today, full-scale construction of the dam can continue without interruption,” he confirmed, adding that structural work that had been stalled for years has now been fully resolved.

Extensive soil filling for the main dam is underway, and the overall construction is expected to be finalized before June 2018 EFY.