The COWASH IV Sidama Regional Support Unit concluded a successful Ethiopian Fiscal Year (EFY) 2016 progress review and EFY 2017 plan workshop. Representatives from regional sector bureaus as well as officials, COWASH IV Community Managed Project approach advisors, and focal persons from the five project woredas participated in the workshop held from September 30 to October 1, 2024.

Arareso Geremew (PhD), the Regional Steering Committee chairperson and Sidama Regional Finance Administration Bureau Head, emphasized the significant contributions of the COWASH IV project to the WASH sector in his opening speech.

The project’s progress report, which detailed key achievements and challenges, was presented and discussed. Engineer Kebede Ganole, the Sidama Regional Water, Mines, and Energy Bureau Head, highlighted the successful implementation of safe water supply efforts in the project and expressed optimism for similar outcomes in the sanitation sector in the coming year.

During EFY 2016, the project constructed and rehabilitated 70 community water supply points, benefiting over 31,000 rural people. Additionally, the project constructed and rehabilitated 19 school water supply points, 13 water schemes in health institutions, and improved latrines in four schools and menstrual hygiene management facilities in two schools.

The workshop also focused on the project’s plans for 2017, which include constructing 107 community water schemes and reaching over 43,000 people with safe water. Participants committed to maintaining effective practices and addressing gaps and challenges. Woreda officials in turn pledged to provide necessary support and to facilitate timely contributions from the government’s matching fund.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the COWASH IV project team expressed gratitude for the ongoing support of its partners and expressed confidence in building upon its achievements in the coming year.