Bet Gebriel — The newly constructed micro-dam in Bet Gebriel, Adi-Quala sub-zone, at an expenditure of about 2 million Nakfa was inaugurated recently.

The micro-dam constructed through the coordinated efforts of the local inhabitants, the Government and partners has the capacity of holding around 60,000 cubic meters of water. A drill-pumped well has also been constructed below the dam so as to provide potable water supply to the public.

The Administrator of the sub-zone, Mr. Sium Gebreyesus, stated that the Government is giving top attention to development endeavors, and hence the stepping up of construction of small and big micro-dams. Stressing the need for the people to enhance their active participation in development programs, Mr. Sium indicated that the newly constructed micro-dam would benefit the inhabitants of Bet Gebriel, Mosoda, Adi-Habr, Una-Gaeben, Gaeben, and others whose inhabitants used to travel long distance for years to fetch water.

The micro-dam would also make due contribution in irrigating more than 4 hectare vegetable farming lying below it. He went on to say that the local inhabitants took active role in the undertaking, in addition to the construction of a 22 km-long terracing and about 1,400 cubic meters of embankments.

Also speaking at the inauguration ceremony, the Administrator of the Southern region, Mr. Mustafa Nurhusein, noted the significance of the micro-dam in easing potable water supply problems and called on the inhabitants to facilitate the construction of an elementary school in Bet Gebriel. He also indicated that there are plans to construct a new road along fertile land around the Mereb River.