Amibara Irrigation Project II - Status Report No. 23 (Quarter Ending 30th November 1983)
Project Overview
The report covers progress on the Amibara Irrigation Project II in Ethiopia, managed by the Water Resources Development Authority with consultancy from Sir William Halcrow & Partners.
Key Sections
A. Civil Works
- Several contracts completed (1E, 1K, 2D) with final prices ranging from Birr 747,469 to 2,852,020
- Ongoing contracts (2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 4A, 4B, 4C) with progress between 81-95% completion
- Contractor claims exceeding Birr 2 million received for Contracts 4A, 4B and 4C
B. Water Management
- Salinity problems observed spreading in cotton fields
- Water distribution monitoring hampered by lack of transport
- Observation wells monitored showing groundwater level changes
- Detailed salinity observations recorded for multiple fields
C. Technical Support Services
- Machinery repairs ongoing but hampered by spare parts shortages
- Training programs initiated for field operatives
- Tenders invited for additional farm machinery
D. Project Control Centre
- Organization structure established with various units (Water Management, Maintenance, etc.)
- Infrastructure maintenance works ongoing (canals, drains, dykes)
- Workshop construction planned for May 1984
E. Drainage and Salinity Works
- Pilot drainage scheme construction substantially completed
- Soil surveys conducted and monitoring instruments installed
- Initial monitoring data collected but too early for evaluation
Financial Summary
- Forecast total expenditure increased by over Birr 4 million to Birr 144,954,000
- Increases mainly due to additional housing and headworks
- IDA contingency allowance reduced to absorb some cost increases
- EDF contingency fully utilized with remaining deficit of Birr 222,000
Key Challenges
- Transport shortages affecting monitoring activities
- Weed and silt buildup in canals restricting water flow
- Salinity issues spreading in agricultural areas
- Delays in electrical distribution system due to material shortages