Becho Plain Reclamation - Second Preliminary Report (July 1972)
1. Project Overview
The report examines flooding issues in the Becho Plain, located north of Addis Ababa, where annual floods deposit sediments and reduce river capacity. The area floods approximately 8,000-10,000 hectares annually, storing about 100 million cubic meters of water.
Key Benefits of Reclamation:
- Reclaim 8,000-10,000 hectares for irrigation
- Secure water supply for people and cattle
- Eliminate downstream floods
- Save 100 million cubic meters from evaporation
- Generate additional hydroelectric power
- Extend lifespan of Koka Reservoir by reducing sedimentation
2. Proposed Solutions
Three Alternatives Considered:
- Upstream reservoirs to store flood waters
- River capacity expansion with downstream storage
- Combination approach of alternatives 1 and 2
3. Immediate Recommended Work
Work Item | Description | Estimated Cost (Eth. $) |
---|---|---|
Obstacle Removal 1 | km 10+400 to 11+300 (rock obstruction) | 22,000 |
Obstacle Removal 2 | km 13+700 to 14+800 (rock/gravel obstruction) | 19,000 |
Malka Kuntura Dam | Primary storage structure at elevation 2060m | 5,441,370 |
Total | 5,482,370 |
4. Hydropower Potential
Plant | Capacity (MW) | Annual Energy (MWh) | Cost of Energy (Eth. cents/KWH) |
---|---|---|---|
Malka Kuntura | 39 | 91,000,000 | 0.76 |
Kombolcha Falls | 9.5 | 33,000,000 | 1.28 |
5. Key Recommendations
- Continue detailed studies of the plain and dam sites
- Conduct comprehensive investigations (surveying, drilling, hydrological stations)
- Begin immediate work on critical river obstacles
- Consider integrating hydropower plants into SELPA grid or creating independent rural system
- View the project as a multipurpose development model for similar areas
6. Attachments
The report includes 10 detailed drawings covering the proposed scheme, river layouts, dam designs, and cost estimates.
Note: This is the second preliminary report, with further feasibility studies required before final recommendations can be made.