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Projects
Contribution to the Revised Six Month Coronavirus Emergency and Preparedness Plan of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia
Short Description:
Overall goal
The overall objective of the response plan is to establish standing capacities and identify gaps for effective and timely emergency response to the disease by putting in place a broad set of preparedness measures in Amhara Regional State. The objective of the component supported with funding from ADA is to prevent and manage the impact of COVID-19 by creating access to safe, reliable and adequate water supply for selected hot spot areas.
Expected results
The component supported by ADA will contribute to the overall result of reduced risk of spread of COVID-19 in target areas in Amhara. Specifically, the results supported are:
1. Upgraded/ rehabilitated 2 non-functional deep well water supply systems
2. Upgraded 2 spring water supply systems in order to reach newly emerged community villages
3. Supplied & installed 20 tanks for water reservoir services in quarantine centres
4. Appropriate water management committees and skills in place for each distribution site
Target group / Beneficiaries
The total number of people who will be benefiting from ADA's contribution are estimated at 25,000 people out of which 51 % are women, 62 % youth and 20 % elders above 55 years, 26% are minorities and people with disability.
In addition to these, the project will also indirectly benefit the entire population living in the target towns.
Target areas are selected based on their limited access to potable water services and the population's vulnerability to the outbreak of the virus. Based on the current situation in the region, the four woredas Chimba, Tsid Gebeya, Ayna-Bugina and Anbesame were identified as hot spots. Moreover, the intervention will support selected COVID-19 quarantine centres and other sensitive public areas with availing tanks for water reserving to ensure sanitation facilities.
Activities
The project focus is on upgrading and rehabilitation of the existing non-functional water supply system in the selected towns. Procurement activities are necessary in the first stage of the intervention. In Ambesame and Chimba areas, the tasks involve construction of collection chambers, installation of electro mechanical systems, working on pressure lines, construction of pump houses and pipe line extension works . The schemes in Ayna Bugna and Tsid Gebeya need to be maintained (changing of distribution pipes and electromechanical components) and upgraded by working on line extension, and constructing additional distribution points. Futhermore, installation of roto tanks will be undertaken and chemical treatment of the water is foreseen where necessary. For each distribution site it is planned to create the required awareness on improved hygiene and sanitation practices through the Community Health Workers and as a second step, the establishment and capacitating of a Committee on appropriate water management skills is foreseen.
Context
The government of Ethiopia adopted a Water Resource Management Policy in 1999 for the efficient and equitable utilization of the available water resources. Ethiopia has a standard National Water Supply and Sanitation Policy jointly developed by the Ministry of Water and Ministry of Health. These two government agencies have clear roles and strategies to implement the policy, which states that the Regional Water Bureau is responsible to manage the water resources development activities.
According to the National Water Inventory Assessment Survey conducted on the situation and condition of water supply systems in Amhara region, about 25% of the water schemes did not function properly in 2019.The overall water supply coverage of the Amhara region is reported to be lower than the national coverage.
This COVID-19 emergency response contribution is targeting four selected towns which have limited access to potable water supply and are therefore more vulnerable to a COVID-19 outbreak. Studies show that between 60 and 80 per cent of communicable diseases in Ethiopia are attributable to poor access to safe water.