Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed has officially inaugurated the Welmel River Irrigation Development Project, located in the Delo Mena Woreda of the Bale Zone. The project was launched under the supervision of the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands.

The primary goal of the project is to effectively utilize the Welmel River for irrigation to significantly boost agricultural productivity and ensure national food sovereignty.

A key feature of the initiative is the construction of a sustainable surface irrigation system, which is designed to provide a permanent livelihood solution for the local population whose farming practices have historically been dependent on seasonal rainfall.

Once fully operational, the project is expected to provide a reliable water supply for approximately 9,687 hectares of farmland, directly benefiting around 20,000 farming households.

This development is anticipated to have multiple transformative impacts: increasing agricultural yields, fostering a community more resilient to drought, and creating new job opportunities within the locality.

Beyond its direct economic advantages, the project is also set to strengthen local water management institutions, increase community ownership, and promote the sustainable utilization of the Welmel River, thereby serving the broader objective of enhanced food security.