An Inauguration Ceremony for ‘the Project for Establishing an Irrigation System in Gode Woreda, Gode Zone, Somali Regional State’ was held on 25 September, 2013. The project was funded by the Japanese Grant-in-aid Scheme for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), amounting to USD 110,879. The implementing partner for the project was the Association Develop Horn. H.E. Mr. Hiroyuki Kishino, Ambassador of Japan to Ethiopia, celebrated the completion of the project, together with Ato Muhumed Ali Omar, the Director of Association Develop Horn, as well as members of the local community.
     The project established an irrigation system which includes two water pumps with a four-cylinderengine three water reservoir, six water distribution boxes with three sluice gates, and seveal canals in the Kayane Kebele, Gode Woreda. As a result,about 120ha of land will be suitable for agricultural production, ensuring food security for 240 households (approximately 1,440 people).

     During the Inauguration Ceremony, H.E. Mr. Hiroyuki Kishino expressed his congratulations when handing over the irrigation system to the community and the Kebele. H.E. Mr. Kishino also expressed his hope that the community would enjoy great benefits by making the most use of this newly installed irrigation system. He also emphasized, This is the third GGP Japan has supported in Gode and the first time a Japan Ambassador has visited GGPs in Gode.

The GGP scheme was first introduced in 1989, and thus it has a history of about 22 years to date. In Ethiopia, since 1997, over 300 projects have been implemented under this scheme in such sectors as education, water supply, health services, and other basic human needs. In JFY 2012 (1 April, 2012 – 31 March, 2013), the Embassy of Japan awarded grants to 18 community based for not-for-profit organizations and local authorities throughout Ethiopia for the economic and social benefit of underprivileged people.

25 September, 2013
Addis Ababa