Mendefera — The Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Arefaine Berhe, and the Minister of Public Works, Mr. Abraha Asfaha, stated that vigorous endeavors are being made to implement different development programs in the Southern region so as to achieve food security. The disclosure was made in a meeting they conducted in Mendefera with department heads of the regional administration, agricultural and construction experts of Bidho Construction Company, regarding action programs in 2008 as regards implementation of major development programs.

The ministers indicated that 22 major and minor dams would be constructed in the region and that a study is underway on the construction of other 10 micro-dams. They further stated that there are plans to construct water reservoirs in different sub-zones in the region, in addition to repair works on Diga Sememo and Awlie-Tsoru.

Moreover, the officials stressed the need to renovate water diversion schemes in Ruba-Shiero, Deki Liefai and Chealo-Hadadim so as to facilitate irrigation farming on over 7,000 hectares. Mr. Arefaine and Mr. Abraha further called the people to step up their participation in road construction and repair activities, as well as in efforts to promote sound ecology.