Baro-Akobo River Basin Integrated Development Master Plan Project
Document Overview
This document is Annex 3F (Institutional Support) of the Socio-Economics volume from the Final Report of the Baro-Akobo River Basin Integrated Development Master Plan Project, prepared by ULG Consultants Ltd and TAMS in October 1996.
1. Present Institutional Situation
1.1 General Institutional Framework
The Baro-Akobo river basin covers parts of four Ethiopian regions (Oromia, SNNPRG, Benshangul & Gumuz, and Gambella) and has international significance as part of the Nile river system.
1.2 Water Resources Management
The Ministry of Water Resources (MWR) is responsible for national water policy and trans-boundary rivers. Key departments include:
- Planning and Projects Department
- Basin Development Studies Department
- Trans-Boundary Rivers Study Department
- Design Department
- Water Rights Administration Department
1.3 Regional Institutions
The basin encompasses 8 zonal administrations covering 48 weredas. Regional bureaus handle implementation of projects within their areas.
2. Management Aspects of Project Implementation
2.1 Proposed Project Interventions
Key development areas include:
- Dams for hydropower (Geba, Baro, Gumero)
- Catchment management and reforestation
- Large-scale irrigation schemes (Alvero/Abobo)
- Rainfed agriculture support
- Water supply projects
- Road works
2.2 General Institutional Issues
Key challenges include:
- International implications as part of the Nile system
- Water legislation interpretation
- Cost recovery mechanisms
- Private sector involvement
- Coordination between federal and regional governments
3. Institutional Arrangements for Project Implementation
3.1 Two-Phase Approach
The report proposes a phased institutional development:
- Phase 1 (5 years): Establishment of a Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) to coordinate planning and initial implementation
- Phase 2: Transition to a Baro-Akobo Basin Water Management Authority (BWMA) to manage major water works
3.2 Proposed Structures
The PCU would include:
- Central unit reporting to MWR
- Regional cells in each of the four regions
- Zonal cells in Gambella region
- Water development section to evolve into BWMA
4. Institutional Support
4.1 Support Components
Proposed support includes:
- Technical assistance
- Training programs
- Logistical support (vehicles, equipment)
- Basin-wide studies
- Community awareness workshops
4.2 Cost Estimates
| Support Area | Estimated Cost (5 years) |
|---|---|
| PCU Operation (staff, logistics) | $3.45 million |
| Basin-wide studies | $500,000 |
| Training programs | $1 million |
| Total PCU Support | $5.5 million |
| BWMA Bridging Period | $700,000/year |
Key Recommendations
- Establish a temporary Programme Coordinating Unit (PCU) to oversee initial implementation
- Develop a permanent Basin Water Management Authority (BWMA) for long-term water system management
- Strengthen regional and zonal administrative capacity, particularly in Gambella
- Implement cost recovery mechanisms for water use
- Enhance coordination between federal and regional entities
- Promote private sector involvement in development projects