On July 17, 2025, the Ministry of Water and Energy signed a contract with Nicolas O’Dwyer Ltd, in association with MS Consultancy Plc as sub-consultant, for the Consultancy Service for the Feasibility Study, Detailed Design, and Tender Document Preparation of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Awash River Flood Risk Reduction Investment Project.
The contract was formally signed by H.E. Dr. Ing. Habtamu Itefa and Mr. Barry Dunphy, Chartered Engineer and Operations Director at Nicolas O’Dwyer Ltd, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from the Ministry as well as delegates from both consulting firms. The signing marked the official launch of a nationally significant initiative aimed at improving flood resilience in one of Ethiopia’s most vital regions.
The Awash River Basin is the most intensively developed and economically significant river basin in Ethiopia, supporting a substantial share of the country’s agriculture, industry, and population. However, the basin remains highly vulnerable to frequent and severe flooding. These flood events, intensified by riverbank encroachment, morphological changes, and increasing climate variability, have caused widespread damage, displaced communities, and disrupted livelihoods.
While the Ministry’s emergency response efforts in recent years have helped reduce immediate flood impacts, a more integrated and sustainable approach is urgently needed. This project reflects a strategic shift toward long-term flood resilience and improved water security across the basin.
The assignment covers detailed hydrological and hydraulic modeling, floodplain mapping, and the design of critical structural interventions including embankments, flood diversion canals, river training works, and multi-purpose retention systems. It also integrates water resource management strategies to ensure reliable, year-round irrigation supply supporting broader socio-economic development across the region.
As the national partner, MS Consultancy Plc brings deep contextual knowledge and technical expertise in flood risk management, environmental safeguards, and infrastructure design. We are proud to contribute to a project that not only protects lives and assets but also strengthens Ethiopia’s long-term climate resilience and adaptive capacity.
This collaboration marks a significant milestone in our ongoing commitment to sustainable water management and resilient infrastructure development in Ethiopia and beyond.