Access to Potable Water in Gash Barka Region

Barentu, 28 May 2026 – As part of the strong efforts being carried out to ensure potable water supply to remote areas, access to potable water in the Gash Barka Region has reached 73%. The report was made by Eng. Zerabruk Tekle, head of water resources in the region.

Eng. Zerabruk said that, as a result of the substantial investment made over the past 10 years, potable water projects have been put in place across the region, enabling residents to access potable water in nearby areas.

According to Eng. Zerabruk, as a result of efforts exerted to improve the quality and standard of the potable water distribution system, the number of water sources operating with hand pumps, which was 315 in 2011, has declined to 187 with the introduction of solar systems and motors. He said this is part of the effort to improve the water supply system.

Eng. Zerabruk went on to say that out of the 946 villages in the region, 78% have become beneficiaries of potable water supply, and efforts are being exerted to put in place potable water supply projects in the remaining villages.