Addis Ababa, January 3 (WIC) –Chief Administrator of the Gambella State Umod Ubong said the two-decade old Ethiopia’s federalism system has played a key role for the socio-economic growth registered in the regional state.
In an exclusive interview with WIC, Umod said federalism has contributed a lot to the overall development of the region and equal benefit of residents from development gains.
He said a significant progress have been registered in the areas of health, education, potable water and investment since the promulgation of Ethiopia’s Federal Constitution.
According to Umod, health service coverage has now reached to 65 per cent from 19 per cent in the past. Some 27 health stations were built in the last 20 years, thus reducing maternal and infant mortality rate to the desired level.
The education sector has also shown remarkable growth. Its coverage has now reached to 94 per cent. Primary schools were built in all woredas of the regional state, he said.
Moreover, the safe drinking water coverage has now reached to 86 per cent from 5 per cent two decades ago, he said.
The regional state has also registered remarkable achievements in the road construction, electric power provision and telecommunication development sectors, Umod said.
He further said the state has shown good progress in the investment areas as a result of the durable peace prevailed in the state. The state has been attracting a number of local and foreign investors.
According to Umod, some 389 investors, including 9 foreigners, are currently engaged in agricultural sectors in the state. The state also prepared over 3.2 million hectares of land for investment.
As part of the efforts to provide the pastoral community with the necessary infrastructure and attain the growth and transformation plan (GTP), the regional state has been implementing villagization program, he said.
Some 29,243 people benefited from the program during the first two years of the GTP period, he said. Some 19 educational intuitions, 22 health and 144 clean water facilities were built at the 43 resettlement sites.
According to Umod, some 10,688 residents will also benefit from the villagization program this Ethiopian budget year.