Chief of Amhara hails natural resource conservation works in north Shoa zone

Addis Ababa, May 15 (WIC) – Chief Administrator of the Amhara State, Ayalew Gobeze, has called for the replication of the success achieved in natural resource conservation in north Shoa zone in irrigation development.

Ayalew made the call while visiting the natural resource conservation works undertaken on 1, 274 hectares of land in Kewet woreda of north Shoa zone, Amhara State, on May 13, 2012 along with other senior officials.

In an exclusive interview with WIC, Ayalew said, “the development work in Kewet woreda is remarkable and could be a model for other regions.”

Education Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, on his part described the development works carried out by the residents as impressive and exemplary.

During a panel discussion held in Shoa Robbit town in connection with the site visit, Addisu Leggese, a senior official of EPRDF and former Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, said similar achievements must be scored in health, education, clean water and rural road projects.

The society and leaders at all levels need to work jointly to repeat the success attained in soil conservation in re-greening and irrigation development activities, he added.

North Shoa Zone Agriculture Department Head, Awgichew Teshome, stated the over 1,159 people who took part at the development works contributed labor worth over 546 million birr.

Kewet Woreda Agriculture Office Head, Dr. Issayas Zerayakob, indicated the development works have created good opportunity for the farmers to increase their productivity.

Because of the re-greening works that has been done, a lot of wild animals are being housed in the areas cultivated, it was learnt.

Model development workers, agricultural officers, farmers and high achievers were awarded during the panel discussion.