Norwegian ambassador to Ethiopia Jens-Petter Kjemprud visited Abala, a community about 50 kilometers from Mekelle in the Afar region to publicly recognize the successes of the Afar Integrated Pastoral Development Program begun last year.

The pastoral development program develops potable water, diversion and irrigation projects, veterinary centers and training, prevention and capacity-building for HIV/AIDS. The projects are supervised by Mekelle University and supported by the Norwegian government.

“The Combined efforts of the local community, researchers from Mekelle University and development partners show us every thing is possible,” said Ambassador Kjemprud.

Elders of Afar people and local administrators expressed their gratitude to the Norwegian government and welcomed the ambassador and his wife warmly. Local leaders also appealed for the continuation of the program and asked the ambassador to help build micro dams and more river diversions. Although the development agreement expires soon, the ambassador said his government would consider further cooperation.

“I can assure you that you have convinced me from we have seen today we must definitely work to start another phase,” he said.