Minister confirms long-stalled Megech dam set for completion later this fiscal year

On Nov 8, 2025 271

Addis Ababa, November 8, 2025 (FMC) – The long-delayed Megech Irrigation Development Project, located in the Amhara regional state, has entered a decisive phase, with completion expected before the end of the current 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year (2025/26), Minister of Irrigation and Lowlands, Abraham Belay, confirmed.

Speaking during a recent site visit by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Minister Abraham described the milestone as historic for the project, which has faced more than 15 years of setbacks and repeated interruptions.

“The government has continuously worked to address the concerns of the Megech people,” he said. “After years of challenges, we are now seeing tangible progress, and the project is firmly on track for completion this fiscal year.”

Prime Minister Abiy toured the site to review construction progress and assess the technical performance of the dam, underscoring the government’s commitment to revitalizing the project.

The project was rejuvenated following a 2017 EFY (2024/25) decision by the Prime Minister to hire a new contractor. Expert inspections identified and resolved critical technical issues, establishing a firm foundation for the dam’s construction.

Minister Abraham highlighted that international consultants conducted detailed studies to ensure all structural and technical challenges were fully addressed. He confirmed that full-scale construction can now proceed without interruption, and that previously stalled structural work has been completely resolved.

Significant progress has been achieved, including the successful redirection of the river course and preparatory work along the entire dam. Extensive soil filling for the main dam is currently underway, paving the way for completion before June 2018 (2025/26) EFY.

Once finalized, the Megech Irrigation Project is expected to boost agricultural productivity and improve the livelihoods of surrounding communities, fulfilling its long-awaited promise after more than a decade of delays.