For communities in rural Ethiopia, access to a reliable, safe water source is more than a convenience, it’s the foundation of health, dignity, and economic opportunity. Yet, maintaining functional water systems remains a persistent challenge.
That’s why we are proud to announce a significant milestone in our mission, the official launch of Water for Good’s first project in the Amhara Region. This project represents a strategic expansion of our work and a major step toward sustainable water access for half a million people.
Laying the Groundwork for Sustainable Change
On November 18, 2025, in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, we inaugurated the Rural Water Service Delivery Feasibility and Design Study. This project, made possible through a partnership with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Water and Energy and with generous funding from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, marks the beginning of a transformative journey in a region facing urgent water system challenges.
The project will focus initially on Dera and North Mecha Woredas (districts), with a vision to create a scalable, professional model for rural water service delivery. By aligning with Ethiopia’s upcoming National Water Policy and revised regulations, this study aims to build a foundation for long-term, reliable water access that can be replicated across Amhara and beyond.
Alignment with National Vision and Local Expertise
The launch event underscored the national importance of this collaborative effort. Ato Abera, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Water and Energy, affirmed the value of our approach, stating,
“The sustainability model implemented by Water for Good Ethiopia is performing well,” and confirming that the new study “Aligns with the upcoming Water Policy.”
This national endorsement is crucial, but our model’s success is built on proven results. As Berhanu Mekuria, our VP of Engineering and Sustainability, highlighted, water point functionality under the Service Provider Group model we support now exceeds 91 percent in our operational areas.
“Once the feasibility study and design are completed,” Berhanu noted, “the new model will directly address persistent water point sustainability challenges in Dera and North Mecha and has strong potential for regional scale-up.”
From Training to Action: Empowering Local Youth
Immediately following the launch, the project moved from planning to action. Water for Good conducted an intensive four-day training for six enumerators and three local youth coordinators who are now the engine of this data-driven initiative.
The training equipped the team with essential skills in digital data collection using mWater tools, survey methodology, and field deployment strategies. Their work will provide the critical, real-world data needed to design a system that truly meets community needs.
Migbarie Mare, an enumerator coordinator, shared his commitment after the training,
“We thank Water for Good for creating this opportunity for youth. The four-day training was excellent, and we are fully committed to delivering high-quality data on time.”
With their training complete and certificates presented by Ato Mamo, Director of the Water Resource Management Directorate, the team has now been deployed to begin the vital work of field data collection.
A Future of Reliable Water, Built Together
This launch is more than a single project; it’s a commitment to a future where communities no longer worry about their next drink of water. By entering the Amhara Region, we are investing where the need is great and the potential for impact is immense.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, the Ministry of Water and Energy, the Amhara Water and Energy Bureau, zonal and woreda authorities, and the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, for their unwavering collaboration. Together, we are not just building systems; we are building resilience, opportunity, and health for hundreds of thousands of people.
