The newly reconstructed Dorga irrigation intake structure creates an opportunity to improve water allocation, irrigation management, and community-based governance in the Hare Catchment.
Historically, water distribution among the five downstream irrigation beneficiary kebeles—Kola Shara (Shara Emba and Shara Muja), Chano Dorga, Chano Chaliba, and Chano Mille—used to be uneven. Approximately 46% of the river flow is diverted to Kola Shara, 37% to Chano Dorga, 14% is shared between Chano Chaliba and Chano Mille, while only about 3% remains as environmental flow. This imbalance had created concerns over equitable access to the water, particularly as demand from downstream users continues to grow.
The upgraded Dorga intake provides a strategic opportunity to address this challenge. Relocated to its original position and aligned with the Kola Shara intake, the structure creates a suitable point for introducing transparent flow measurement, control mechanisms, and an agreed water allocation system. The canal has also been reconstructed through the BRIGHT Project, and reconnected, restoring the functionality of the irrigation system and creating an opportunity to establish the Dorga Kebele IWUA.
In addition, the improved infrastructure provides an enabling environment for introducing Triple Bottom Line Enterprises’ (3BL) Flowius smart water management technology. The digital platform will strengthen irrigation governance through improved water monitoring, transparent allocation, fee management, maintenance planning, and data-driven decision-making by Basin Administration Offices (BAOs), IWUAs, and other stakeholders.