Addis Ababa: The preparation of a new Water and Energy policy is well underway with the target of serving the nation for the coming years, the Ministry of Water and Energy revealed. A discussion forum was held today with relevant stakeholders of water and energy to enrich the draft policy with additional inputs.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, Minister of Water and Energy Habtamu Itefa opened the discussions, emphasizing the interrelation of the water sector with the country’s security and foreign policy affairs. He stressed that the policy has been drafted with all necessary considerations, highlighting the need for additional input from participants.

The policy prioritizes the participation of the private sector and incorporates strategies on how to engage them to ensure inclusiveness and equal benefit in the sector. The draft policy is designed to serve the nation for the next 20 years, with fairness and accessibility being fundamental principles of the water policy.

The policy also addresses integr
ated water resource management, environmental protection, societal safety, cooperation, and multi-sectoral benefits. In the energy sector, the minister noted that the policy focuses on ensuring accessibility and private sector participation.

The draft also considers modern energy transformation, enhancing fair accessibility, ensuring energy security, and accelerating the sector’s development.