Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurates rehabilitated Tendaho irrigation project

March 23, 2026

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has inaugurated the rehabilitated and expanded Tendaho irrigation development project in Dubti woreda, Afar Region. Afar Region President Awel Arba and Water and Environment Minister Dr. Abraham Belay attended the event. The project has a capacity for 60,000 hectares, with 33,000 hectares now ready for irrigation.

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurated the Tendaho irrigation development project in Dubti woreda, Afar Region. Afar Region President Awel Arba stated that the project previously caused drought in various woredas and posed flood risks. However, federal government rehabilitation efforts have addressed issues and reduced dangers, he added.

Water and Environment Minister Dr. Abraham Belay said the project has a capacity of up to 60,000 hectares. Over recent years, 40 km of canal extensions, 27 km of embankments, and water ventilation problems have been fixed. Currently, 33,000 hectares are ready for irrigation, with 23,000 hectares planted in various crops.

Temesgen Tiruneh noted that the project will enhance agricultural productivity and reduce food insecurity. It directly benefits six woredas in Afar Region, including Dubti and Semera towns. Although started 15 years ago, lack of priority led to flood risks previously.

Abin da mutane ke faɗa

Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh inaugurated the rehabilitated Tendaho irrigation project, framing it as a key step toward Ethiopia's food sovereignty and development in Afar Region. Reactions on X are largely positive, with supporters praising the revival of a long-stalled project. One user, recalling past management issues from 15 years ago, expressed encouragement at its functionality. No significant negative or skeptical sentiments were found in recent discussions.

For us, true sovereignty is not merely the defense of our borders. It is the breaking of the outstretched hand of dependence that bends the neck of our citizens. It is the resolve to stand upright—sustained by our own labor, our own production, and our own dignity.

The people of… pic.twitter.com/IVDmCmZHFx

— Temesgen Tiruneh - ተመስገን ጥሩነህ 🇪🇹 (@TemesgenTiru) 28 Maris, 2026

አፋር የትናንት ታሪካችን ነው፡፡ የዛሬ ጸጋችን ነው፡፡ የነገ ደግሞ ተስፋችን ነው፡፡ አፋር የእናታችን የሉሲ ቤት ነው፡፡ ጸጋው እልፍ ነው፡፡

የተንዳሆ የመስኖ ፕሮጀክት የሉሲ ጓዳ ያፈራው የእናት ጸጋ ነው፡፡ በአፋር ሸለቆዎች ውስጥ ኢትዮጵያን… pic.twitter.com/6sTQYhfFUi

— Temesgen Tiruneh - ተመስገን ጥሩነህ 🇪🇹 (@TemesgenTiru) 29 Maris, 2026

I did my internship at Tendaho 15 years ago. At the time, all the structures were already in place, but the project struggled due to poor management. It’s truly encouraging to see it functioning now, and I hope it continues to improve and eventually reaches its full potential.

— Henok Teklu (@anomaitech) 29 Maris, 2026

In the Afar Region, the irrigated grass and animal feed development made possible by the waters of the Awash River stands as a clear testament to what can be achieved when we wisely harness nature’s generosity.

Today, we visited the irrigated grass and fodder farm in Aysaita… pic.twitter.com/PvsaKVOyDf

— Temesgen Tiruneh - ተመስገን ጥሩነህ 🇪🇹 (@TemesgenTiru) 28 Maris, 2026

Just as the camel stands unshaken through the fiercest trials, and as the Awash River flows with enduring loyalty to its land, we come to the Afar Region—a land forged in fire, a steadfast guardian of Ethiopia—and to the proud and historic city of Semera.

As we arrived at Semera… pic.twitter.com/78MekRHayY

— Temesgen Tiruneh - ተመስገን ጥሩነህ 🇪🇹 (@TemesgenTiru) 28 Maris, 2026

Tushen

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