Sustainable Hydropower Reservoirs in Africa.jpg

Workshop on Sustainable Hydropower Reservoirs in Africa

The International Centre for Hydropower (ICH) Norway in partnership with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the Eastern Nile Technical Regional Office (ENTRO) organised a 5-day workshop in Addis on 19-23 June on Reservoir Sedimentation and Sediment Handling for Sustainable Hydropower Reservoirs in Africa.

The main objective of the workshop was to identify and discuss with stakeholders the extent of the sediment problem in Africa and practical solution options for reservoir sedimentation for optimum benefits of the water resources in the region. In attendance was 20 participants from Ethiopia, Ghana, Malawi, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia along with the Norwegian Embassy in Addis Ababa.

Discussions between participants and facilitators focused a great deal on the ongoing efforts of mitigating the sedimentation problems of reservoirs for more sustainable uses by exploring and disseminating practical methods and strategies that are viable in the handling of sediments economically, environmentally and technically.

 Examples from Latin America and Asia were also presented, giving an insight into how these regions tackle sediment challenges using various techniques of data collection and monitoring strategies. A regional perspective on the effects of climate change on reservoir sedimentation was also addressed.

The workshop was opened by the Norwegian Embassy Head of Development Cooperation Mr. Morten Heide and ENTRO'S Executive Director Mr. Fakahmed Negash officially welcomed the participants to the workshop.