AMN Plus-October 23, 2026
Ethiopia has officially inaugurated the Megech Irrigation Dam Project, marking a significant milestone in the development of historic Gondar and its surrounding communities, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) announced.
In a message shared on his official social media account this afternoon, the Prime Minister said the project, which had faced years of delays, was brought to completion after the government addressed implementation challenges through the Medemer philosophy of cooperation and collective action.
With a storage capacity of 185 million cubic meters, the dam is expected to irrigate more than 17,000 hectares of land, directly benefiting tens of thousands of farmers and strengthening agricultural productivity in the region, according to the Prime Minister.
Beyond supporting irrigation, the project is expected to provide a reliable supply of clean drinking water to Gondar and neighboring towns, while creating new opportunities for broader economic growth.
The artificial lake is also expected to promote urban agriculture, large-scale fisheries, and tourism development, including resort facilities. These activities are anticipated to create substantial employment opportunities for local youth and stimulate economic activity in the area.
Prime Minister Abiy attributed the project’s successful completion to rigorous monitoring and sustained efforts to overcome implementation challenges. However, he emphasized that Gondar still requires further development to fully realize its economic and social potential.
The Prime Minister called on the public to actively participate in ongoing development initiatives, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ethiopia’s progress is inclusive and benefits all regions and citizens.
