USAID and Coca-Cola Improve Water and Sanitation Services in Amhara Region

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2007  Bahir Dar, Ethiopia - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and The Coca-Cola Company today launched a $750,000 water, sanitation and environmental hygiene partnership in Amhara Region in collaboration with the Amhara Regional Health and Water Bureaus.  The Amhara Community Watershed Partnership Project is part of an $8 million global alliance between USAID and Coca-Cola to promote sound water resource management and sustainable service delivery in countries where both partners operate.

This project will supply potable water to communities, improve sanitation and hygiene practices in schools and households, and raise public awareness about environmental protection and conservation for sustainable access to water.  The project includes twelve Kebeles in Bure, Dura, and Achefar Woredas, and will provide benefits to over 45,000 people.

In launching this program, the Coca-Cola Company demonstrates responsible stewardship of natural resources and recognizes the challenges presented by lack of access to potable water in Amhara region and other areas of Ethiopia.  Access to safe water is a critical component of physical well being, and through this project, the two partners seek to improve human health, enhance economic growth, and provide critical humanitarian assistance in the mostly-agrarian Amhara region.

The Millennium Water Alliance, a consortium of non-governmental organizations, is also providing support for this project, which will be carried out by the Amhara Regional Government’s Health, Capacity Building, Education and Water Resources Bureaus in collaboration with respective Woreda administrations and the Amhara Model Kebele Initiative.

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Press Contact: Kimberly Flowers
Telephone: 091-150-0414
Email: kiflowers@usaid.gov