Society Inaugurates Solar Power Plant Built at a Cost of 13.4 Million Birr
The Ethiopian Red Cross Society, in partnership with the Austrian Red Cross and with funding support from the International Partnership Austria, inaugurated a modern solar power plant in Harbu Town Administration, South Wollo Zone, built at a cost of 13.4 million Birr to serve as an energy source for clean drinking water. The project was officially completed and inaugurated on October 29, 2026.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Getachew Tsige, Head of the South Wollo Zone Water and Energy Office, stated that by constructing this new solar power technology, the Ethiopian Red Cross Society has significantly alleviated the community’s water scarcity. He noted that the project will eliminate high costs previously incurred for generator fuel and electricity bills, and assured that the office will responsibly manage the solar power plant to ensure its sustainability.
Mr. Mohamed Dada, Disaster Preparedness and Response Department Director at the Ethiopian Red Cross Society, expressed his delight at seeing the community – which had long suffered from severe water shortages – benefit through the coordinated efforts of all stakeholders that brought the project to success. Noting that the work is modest compared to the depth of the overall challenge, he urged that comprehensive support be provided to the Ethiopian Red Cross Society so that it can continue undertaking problem-solving initiatives through its own capacity, both in Harbu and nationwide.
Mr. Temesgen Abebe, Head of the Austrian Red Cross in Ethiopia, pointed out that the newly constructed solar power plant generates over 110 kilowatts of power, possessing the capacity to accommodate an additional borehole beyond the current water demand. He highlighted that the solar technology is environmentally friendly and cost-effective. He also expressed gratitude to the government for its contribution of approximately 3.9 million Birr in land compensation where the power plant was built to ensure the project’s success.
Mr. Melaku Chekol, Head of the ERCS South Wollo Zone Branch Office, recalled that the ties between the Red Cross and the Harbu community span over 50 years. He stated that the coordination and participation of the Austrian Red Cross, the Society’s staff and volunteers, government bodies, and the community were paramount in making this success a reality. He called upon the community to stand by the Society as members and volunteers.
Yeshumnesh Ibrahim, a resident of Harbu town, recalled that previously, due to prolonged water shortages, they had to carry jerrycans over long distances to fetch unsafe river water for drinking, which exposed both them and their children to various diseases. She expressed profound gratitude on behalf of the women and mothers – who bore the brunt of the hardship – stating that they are overjoyed to finally obtain clean water now that the Red Cross has built this problem-solving solar facility.
Mr. Endris Yimam, Head of the South Wollo Zone Administration Office and the ERCS South Wollo Zone Branch Board Chairman, expressed his happiness at seeing the project bear fruit, urging that it is everyone’s responsibility to maintain and protect the constructed infrastructure sustainably.
Zonal and town administration officials, residents, and guests attended the inauguration, which highlighted that the solar power plant will provide reliable, clean drinking water services to over 72,000 residents in the town.
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