Parched Addis

Large swathes of Addis Ababa and nearly all other major urban centers are observing the driest World Water Day in years. So much for a capital city of a country considered to be a major continental watershed.
The Ethiopian highlands are among the best watered areas of not only Africa but of the entire world. No less than 20 major river systems criss-cross this vast nation. Some, like the Blue Nile, Shebelle and Atbara continue to flow on for hundreds of kilometers to sustain entire nations. Perhaps only the Congo Basin is more endowed with water resources. With all this to consider, it confounds logic that any part of Ethiopia should suffer from water shortages. Sadly, Ethiopia's paucity in the face of so much abundance continues to amaze other less generously endowed, yet more prosperous nations.
Official statistics from both the Ethiopian government and various international organizations never manage to present an accurate picture of the real status of national access to improved water sources. According to an average compilation, roughly 81% of urban areas and just 11% of rural communities have access to running water. These figures, particularly the high percentage given for urban centers, belies the fact and indicate probable access as a large portion of installed water lines are out of order. At best the intermittent service is just a series of spurts of tepid water.
What are the underlying causes of the current shortage of water in many parts of the capital city? Several factors may come readily to mind. After all, we excel at covering for one another. First on the list would be a booming economy that is getting thirstier - construction, floriculture, and road building are water intensive. The next problem would be the population explosion …climate change, blah..blah… blah
The real reason is that the government has not focused its attention on the Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority (AAWSA) and increased water supply in the capital. The authority seems like the government's distant cousin and is clearly not on the its priority list, as are Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation (ETC), Ethiopian Roads Authority (ERA) and the Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation (EEPCo). Are phones, roads and energy more important than water?
Perhaps so. Ethiopia consumes less water per capita than 43 out of the 50 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). It is telling on AAWSA that even with such meager consumption levels, they have failed to quench demand.
The direct impacts of the current water scarcity are in themselves alarming. Residents of certain areas who had never thought of leaving are contemplating of moving to an area with a more assured water supply. Personal hygiene is affected, families with small children are suffering. The very real risk of fires breaking out in the crowded slums is worsened by the shortage of this most basic of human needs.
We urge upon the concerned authorities to give more attention to this truly embarrassing water shortage.
Addis Ababa and its surroundings are virtually floating on a deep aquafier that only needs the attention of a few of the many engineers that we have. Ground water could go a long way towards reducing the demand on the limited drinking water processed by AAWSA as it could be applied for construction, industrial and agricultural use.
The leaky pipes waste more water than they deliver and add to the scarcity supply.
Replacing these out of date rust traps with Plastic Pipes (PVC), piping which is safe and more durable and would help to conserve the city's water supply. Another factor behind some of the water scarcity in some areas is the negligent way in which large construction projects are conducted by the state and individuals. There must be a way a high rise or a road can be constructed without denying the immediate surrounding of water.
Finally, the public must realize that water is a finite resource and must learn to use it more efficiently.