Welmel River Irrigation and Sof Umer Caves Drive Economic Transformation in Bale Zone

Addis ababa: The development initiatives such as the Welmel River Irrigation and the Sof Omer Luxury Lodge, along with ongoing agricultural modernization and tourism efforts, are crucial elements in the economic transformation of the Bale Zone in the Oromia region. According to Ethiopian News Agency, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, accompanied by a high-level delegation of current and former leaders, recently toured the Bale Zone, an area rich in natural and cultural wealth. The visit highlighted the region's stunning environment, including the Fincha Habera Waterfall and the Sof Omer cave system. In discussions following the visit, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the development in Bale Zone showcases the government's integrated national development strategy, which links agricultural modernization, eco-tourism, and environmental conservation. The high-level delegation assessed various projects' progress and identified future priorities. The Welmel River Irrigation Development Project in Bale Zone is a sign ificant stride in Ethiopia's integrated development vision, linking agricultural modernization, environmental sustainability, and tourism as interdependent pillars of national transformation. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed inaugurated the project, highlighting the government's commitment to building a resilient, self-sustaining economy grounded in food sovereignty and rural development. The visit also spotlighted parallel initiatives in eco-tourism and ecosystem conservation around the Bale Mountains, demonstrating a holistic approach to development that balances productivity, environmental stewardship, and community well-being. Prime Minister Abiy noted that improving local livelihoods is central to Ethiopia's forward-looking development agenda. Reflecting on his visit to the Sof Omer Caves, Prime Minister Abiy expressed both amazement and sadness at the natural and historical wealth of the area, much of which has been forgotten. He emphasized that understanding and restoring sites like Sof Omar requires signif icant investment but offers value beyond monetary terms. The Welmel River Irrigation Development Project aims to irrigate 9,687 hectares of farmland and directly benefit approximately 20,000 households. Managed by the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands, the project is a key part of Ethiopia's national food sovereignty strategy and its broader resilience agenda. Irrigation and Lowlands Minister Abraham Belay highlighted Bale Zone as one of Ethiopia's most promising agricultural areas and a leading eco-tourism destination, though its vast irrigation potential remains largely untapped. Of the 137,100 hectares of irrigable land in the zone, only 26,000 hectares are currently utilized by irrigation systems. Oromia Regional State Chief Administrator, Shimelis Abdisa, reflected on the transformation from past grievances to progress and innovation, emphasizing the powerful energy of an integrated vision encompassing agriculture, mining, and tourism. Intergovernmental Authority on Development Executive Secretary, Workneh Gebeyohu, noted Bale's transformation and potential for contributing significantly to Ethiopia's overall development. With proper vision, Bale can shift from dependency on safety-net programs to becoming a hub for productive agriculture and sustainable tourism. Prime Minister Abiy's advisor on East African Affairs, Getachew Reda, discussed the area's historical significance and the need for mindset transformation to harness the region's abundant resources for shared prosperity. General Tsadkan Gebretensae, former Defense Chief of Staff, expressed hope and confidence in the potential of Bale Zone's natural resources to support development and strengthen political stability. Officials emphasized that the Welmel project represents a strategic investment in climate adaptation, sustainable water use, and long-term rural transformation. The integration of tourism, conservation, and irrigation in Bale Zone presents a replicable model for holistic regional development in Ethiopia.