New road construction and maintenance works covering 39.37 km and costing over 161.2 million Birr officially launched this week in Male Woreda of South Omo Zone, one of the tourists’ destinations of Ethiopia located in the Southern part of the country.
Under the Rural Connectivity for Food Security Program (RCFSP) of the South Ethiopia Regional State Transport and Road Development Administration Bureau, a new 26.3 km road project from Boshokor–Lemo–Bezo costing over 154 million Birr has begun in Male Woreda of South Omo Zone, according to South Ethiopia Regional Government Communication Affairs. In a related development, a 13 km road maintenance project from Lamo–Gongode costing more than 11 million Birr has also been launched.
The South Omo Zone in Ethiopia is a premier cultural tourism destination, famous for its intense tribal diversity—home to over 16 distinct ethnic groups, including the Mursi, Hamer, and Karo. Located in the Lower Omo Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers unique opportunities for witnessing traditional, largely untouched lifestyles, intricate body art, and vibrant, colorful weekly markets in towns like Turmi and Jinka
In his opening speech, Mr. Negatu Dansa, Assistant Government Representative and Head of Organization and Public Relations for the Prosperity Party in the South Ethiopia Region, stated that the government resolves practical and public concerns step by step.
He said that due to the mountainous nature of the area, the road project had long been a major public demand, and residents had faced difficulties transporting livestock and crop products to market.
Mr. Negatu pointed out that various reform activities are being carried out so that products produced in the area can go beyond local consumption and reach the global market, and that the government is undertaking major projects such as fertilizer factories, fuel-related projects, and other large-scale developments to increase productivity.
He said that the road project, which had been a public demand in Male Woreda, became possible through the efforts of both the people and the leadership, and he called on residents of the woreda and nearby kebeles to cooperate so that the construction work proceeds without obstacles or delays.
On his part, Mr. Tewolde Tesfaye, Head of the South Ethiopia Regional State Transport and Road Development Administration Bureau, explained that roads play a crucial role in ensuring rural transformation.
He said that with the support of the regional government and the World Bank, road construction and maintenance works are being carried out under the Rural Connectivity for Food Security Program.
He stated that more than 27 projects worth over one billion birr are being implemented in 8 zones and 9 woredas of the region under the World Bank-supported program, including suspension bridges, new roads, and road maintenance works, and that in Male Woreda a 26.3 km road project including bridge construction and various related works will also be carried out.
The Chief Administrator of South Omo Zone, Mr. Maekel Malko, said that he felt great happiness seeing the project reach the launching stage after overcoming many challenges before its commencement.
He stated that because the area has abundant livestock resources and high agricultural production, the road will stimulate the local economy and strengthen the social interaction of the people, making it a highly beneficial road project.
