Overflowing lake threatens 120m birr lodge, inhabitants in Metehara

By Hayal Alemayehu

A 120 million birr resort project on the shores of Lake Beseka and inhabitants living around Metehara in Oromia region are being threatened by the overflowing waters of the lake following recurrent heavy rains in the area, eyewitnesses told The Reporter.

Some businesses, including a huge animal fattening investment project, have evacuated the area located about 140km east of Addis Ababa while the “little publicized” modern lodge built on 14ha of land on the shores of the lake is endangered by the overflowing lake sprawling on both sides of the main road to Djibouti , according to the eyewitnesses.

Government authorities, including the Minister of Waters Resource Asfaw Dingamo and those from the regional government, have visited the area in order to take the necessary measure, according to sources.

The resort, a US-Saudi Arabia project, has been under construction for over the last few years. It commenced partial service two years ago.

The regional administration often diverts the waters of the lake to Awash River when it overflows, according to some of the residents of the area.

However, the volume of the currently overflowing waters of the lake is higher this time around, which requires the immediate attention of the regional government to take the necessary action to mitigate potential damages it may cause in the area, according to the eyewitnesses.

Part of the lodge is build 100 meters inside the lake while the rest sprawls on the shoreline.

The project, executed by Sal Joil Saudi American Investment Plc, is expected to be completed next year.