Arba Minch University (AMU) and Christian Aid inaugurated an exceptional and exemplary off-grid rural electrification Micro Hydropower Project at Dingamo Kebele, Kamba Zuria Woreda, Gamo Zone, South Ethiopia Region, with a substantial investment of over 19 million ETB on May 10, 2025. Mr. Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of FDRE, Mr. Tilahun Kebede, South Ethiopia Regional State Administrator, Habtamu Itefa (PhD, Ing.), Minister of Water and Energy, Mr. Alemu Gonchere, Kamba Zuria Woreda Administrator, Mr. Netsanet Feleke, Christian Aid Program Manager and Official Delegate for the Country Director, Abdella Kemal (PhD, Ing.) AMU President and other South Ethiopia Region State, Gamo Zone, Kamba Zuria Woreda, Dingamo Kebele and AMU officials and invited honorable guests graced the event. Click here to see more photos.
Sultan Welle (PhD, Ing.), the Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Water and Energy, addressed the critical importance of harnessing Ethiopia's abundant renewable energy resources which encompass hydropower, geothermal, wind, and biomass. Expressing the figures, he stated, only 54% of the nation's population currently has access to electricity. Ethiopia's vast renewable energy potential would harvest at least 150 MWs; over 90% of the population still relies on biomass energy which poses serious threats to soil health and food security, he remarked. Further informing the audience, a comprehensive plan for the national grid aims to utilize 65% of energy generated from major grid sources while integrating off-grid technologies of solar energy and others will cater the remaining 35%, he explained. Disclosing Pico hydropower potential, he revealed that over 5000 similar project potential resources are available across Sidama, South & Central Ethiopia, Oromia, and Amhara regions.
Abdella Kemal (PhD, Ing.), President of AMU, commended the project as a testament to the university's commitment to address community challenges through research and innovation. He emphasized the importance of tapping Ethiopia's renewable energy capacity to ensure off-grid areas despite the country's large rivers’ potential of generating up to 45,000 MWs of electricity.
Teklu Wegayehu (PhD), AMU Vice President of Research and Cooperation, gave an overview of research, community engagement and tech transfer activities. Speaking on the Dingamo project, Dr. Teklu underscored its uniqueness in being entirely led by university researchers and academic staff from initial research and design to consultancy and construction. “This project clearly demonstrates AMU’s practical commitment to addressing real community needs through home-grown expertise and strong collaboration,” he said. He highlighted the project's value as a symbol of research-based development and affirmed the university’s dedication to replicating similar initiatives in other underserved areas.
Netsanet Feleke, the Program Manager of Christian Aid and the project Country Director’s Official Delegate, emphasized the organization's commitment to strengthening the capacity of government and civil society institutions across more than 35 countries of the world. Addressing climate change is a major strategic focus area of Christian Aid particularly through the provision of renewable energy to vulnerable groups including women and youth, to reinforce the organization's dedication to sustainable development, he said.
Eng. Beyene Feye, the Principal Investigator (PI) and Project Coordinator, said, the project has a capacity to generate 15 kilowatts of power and electrifies 400 households as well as education, health, religious and commercial institutions in the kebele. He expressed his team's joy at the project's successful completion attributing to their hard work and determination; the achievement motivates them to continue similar initiatives that will benefit the community, he aspired.
Demise Admasu (PhD), Gamo Zone Administrator, highlighted on the impact of the energy access for the Dingamo community to enhance the success of other Premier’s Initiatives and government goals. Kamba Zuria Woreda Administrator, Mr. Alemu Gonhere, also welcomed the audience and appreciated the efforts made to connect the kebele with energy access.
Finally, AMU handed over the community managed project by signing an MoU; Teklu Wegayehu (PhD), AMU Research and Cooperation Vice President and Mr. Alemu Gonchere, Kamba Zuria Woreda Administrator, signed and exchanged the documents. Those who played important roles for the successful completion of the project received votes of thanks from AMU and Kamba Zuria Woreda sides. AMU dispatched certificates of recognition for Christian Aid, AMU officials, Project PI and his crew whereas Kamba Zuria Woreda honored AMU officials, Christian Aid Representative, the Project PI and others with Gamo cultural courtesy gifts in recognition of their significant contributions. AMU’s ex-vice president for research and cooperation office, Behailu Merdekios (Assoc. Prof.), mastered the ceremony.
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