Foundation launches 25.8 mln. Birr rural development project

 

Menschen fuer Menschen Foundation (MfM) launched Saturday an integrated rural development project in Geldu Woreda of Oromia State at initial cost of 25.6 million Birr.

MfM Program Director Yilma Taye said the development project is designed for three years. “We are here today to partially address the development interests of Geldu residents.”

According to him, the project would reinforce the development endeavours of government and enable MfM to sensitize the community towards development.

Regarding the major targets of the project, Yilma said the current project has been meant to address grave problems related to land degradation, health and water in Geldu district. “We have already started implementing the project after reaching agreement with Finance and Economic Development Bureau of the State. The project will benefit over 50,000 inhabitants of seven kebeles of the woreda,” he mentioned.

During the three years (2017-2019), about 6,000 farmers in the seven kebeles will be enabled to increase and diversify their crop and livestock production, thereby augmenting their income. Likewise, the project aims to raise percentage of access to potable water from less than 10 per cent now to nearly 30 per cent : whilst it targets to increasing the status of sanitation from 15per cent to over 65 per cent .

Besides, the contraceptive use rate will go up to 75 per cent from 50per cent now, and significant reduction of women’s work burden and health hazard are to be addressed through distribution of 3,000 improved fuel saving stoves during the project lifetime.

Geldu Woreda Administration Head Regassa Adugna for his part commended the provisions of the project to the community. Since Geldu is geographically exposed to land erosion and degradation, the area needs high level water shade management and biological treatment. He also pointed out that his administration carried out well on access to education and health, but some of these institutions became below standards calling for upgrading activities. Hence, MfM would address these constraints in the woreda.

Regassa expects the project to bridge the development gaps his administration could not fulfill. “Though the works accomplished by the rural road access has been encouraging, yet due to budget constraints, we couldn’t build roads in the entire district,” he said, adding: “ despite the several irrigable rivers and irrigable land in the locality, we couldn’t utilize it efficiently, thus, MfM is a good opportunity to address such development gaps.”

Menschen fuer Menschen Foundation addressed about 5.5 million beneficiaries in different parts of the country in the past 35 years. It has built over 400 schools, 2200 water points and 103 health institutions including two hospitals in rural areas.

source ethpress.