‘Water Supply Construction Project,’ which was initiated by Arba Minch University, in September 2012, to end water scarcity at Abaya, Chamo and Nechsar campuses is completed and fully got operational on 16th March 2014, said Estate Development and Utility Property Administration Directorate Director, Mr Brook Gissila (Er.).
The project came into being with AMU signing a Memorandum of Understanding with South Water Works Construction Enterprise on June 2011, and then the total cost of the project was pegged at ETB 14.5 million.

Following some impediments, the project works got delayed as Paradise Lodge raised an objection and refused to allow the routing of pipelines through their area as it’s situated in the low elevation. Thereafter construction of auditorium at Abaya campus compelled us to re-route the pipelines and in the process 3 to 4 months were wasted, Mr Brook informed.
To resolve the technical issue both AMU Board and Urban Municipality Zonal Administrator, Mr Tilahun, finally agreed to re-route the pipelines that sent the project cost soaring, it began in September 2011. Forty Spring - the main source is 3.5 km away from Arba Minch College of Teacher’s Education.
In the beginning, huge water reservoir with 1-million liter capacity at Abaya table land was built. This being the nodal point, 1264-meter long pipeline at 16 meter high elevation for Chamo campus was laid that ran underneath the main approach road.
Thereafter, a HDPE plastic 2314-meter pipeline for Nechsar Campus laid was connected to two concrete reservoirs having 350000 & 300000 liters capacity. Now they get uninterrupted water supply.
The water supply was started in 2012 during sports tournament, with some miscellaneous work left to be finished, the project finally got complete. Water supply in the town is governed by government water supply enterprise; thus AMU has formally handed over this task in their hand.
The project construction was carried out by Hawasse Water Works Enterprise Construction; it ultimately cost ETB 18.9 million to AMU. It’s learnt that with the commissioning of this project, 25% water supply in the town has been increased; it pumps 33 liter of water per second.
This project has solved scarcity problems for ever at three campuses. He attributed entire credit for the successful completion of this project to Urban Water Works Enterprise, AMU Board and AMU President, Dr Feleke Woldeyes for his great support.

By Philips Joseph