The World Bank has allocated 3.52 billion Birr to support the renovation of schools, health facilities, and water supply systems damaged during the war in Tigray region, officials announced on Saturday, February 1, 2025.

According to regional media outlet Demtsi Woyane (DW), a consultation forum is being held in Wukro, located some 59 kilometers from Tigray's capital city, Mekelle, where it was stated that the funding will facilitate the renovation of 266 schools in 14 districts, along with 84 health facilities and 844 water supply wells. Regional and district leaders, as well as representatives, are participating in the forum to discuss project implementation.

Tedros Gebre-Egziabher, head of the Tigray Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Office, said the damage caused by the war was extensive, adding that "reconstruction and rehabilitation work is needed in all areas of Tigray."

The renovation work will take place in districts including Wajrat, Seharti, Hahayile, Adet, Gulomahda, Bizet, Egela, Tsimbla, Embasneyti, Zana, Central Adiyabo, Raya Azebo, and Neksegena Alaje, Demtsi Woyane (DW) reported.

A previous Addis Standard report revealed that more than 2,470 schools in Tigray were damaged during the war, with over 30,000 computers either destroyed or looted, according to Seyoum Hagos, Director of Communications at the Tigray Education Bureau.

The destruction of infrastructure, coupled with the displacement of communities, has severely affected student enrollment, with Seyoum stating that "less than a million students are registered for school this year," despite there being over 2.4 million eligible students.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that more than 106 schools in the region are currently being used as shelters for internally displaced persons (IDPs), limiting access to classrooms. "More than 500 schools are currently outside of the bureau's jurisdiction," Seyoum noted, adding that many of these schools remain under the control of Amhara and Eritrean forces.