Arba Minch University has formally handed over 3.6 hectares of land to the Hawassa-based Yirgalem Construction Plc on January 20, 2015, for the construction of 300-bedded teaching-cum-referral hospital. The stated land is situated opposite Madhanalem Church at Secha, Arba Minch. The construction process is likely to commence after three weeks.

Academic Affairs Vice President, Dr Agena Anjulo, heading the AMU team for handing over the construction site to the above contractor, said, ‘‘Today, we are handing over the land to the contractor with some existing structures which would be dismantled; and soon they would start hospital construction.’’
Hospital Project Consultant, Mr Teklemariam Rad, said, ‘‘Today, we are handing over 3.6 hectares of land which presently has a garage, store, some houses, utility, sanitary, electric, telephone, water supply lines, surface water, and some additional constructions as a reference.’’
Deputy Managing Director of Yirgalem Construction Plc, Mr Gobezayehu Fanta, was of the opinion that it would take month’s time to dismantle existing structures so that the construction work for the hospital begin soon.
Project office Head, Mr Abebe, said, AMU needs 5.1 hectares of land to build oxidation ponds and sanitary facilities; but as of now we have only 3.6 hectares. Soon, we would initiate talks with the zonal and regional governments to procure more land.’’
Vice President for Administration & Development, Dr Yechale Kebede, Corporate Communication Directorate Director, Mr Fissiha Bekele, Estate Development & Utility Property Administration Directorate Director, Mr Biruk Gissila (Er.) and others were present on the occasion.

(By Corporate Communication Directorate: Philips Joseph)