Silte Zone Chief Administrator Ato Zeyne Belka made this statement during the official launch of the 2017 Integrated Watershed Development Works Zonal Launch Program in Silte Zone at the Wotanbo Gobe Kebele Kome Development Group in Lanfuro Woreda.

Speaking at the watershed development launch program, Silte Zone Chief Administrator Ato Zeine Belka said that watershed development work has significantly contributed to the growth of production and productivity by reducing the adverse effects of climate change.

The Chief Administrator added that in order to increase the production and productivity of the zone, soil and water conservation work should be intensified and, through this, planting seedlings to ensure the existence of honey bees and various fruit trees.

They emphasized that when working on the watershed, it is important to strengthen education, strengthen road construction, strengthen health, improve and strengthen irrigation, and to resolve any issues that arise in the area through discussion.

He noted that the district is performing well not only in watershed development but also in spring cultivation of chickpeas and other fruits and vegetables.

Deputy Administrator of the Zone and Head of the Department of Agriculture, Ato Mubera Kemal, noted that watershed development in the zone is changing from a campaign to a reality.

He said that this year's integrated watershed development project will be implemented on 35,158 hectares of land located in 237 existing sub-watersheds.

The Deputy Administrator said that tangible changes have been recorded in the integrated watershed development work over the past years. Due to the physical and biological works carried out, soil erosion has been reduced, and barren areas have been restored and turned green.

He said that through integrated watershed development, the Lemu Mountains are being transformed into a money-printing center and are being used for job creation for the youth, food development, fruit cultivation, beekeeping, and the preservation of the Lemat trufat.

He said that alongside the basin development work, it is necessary to intensify corridor development, the Lemat trufat work, and others.

During his welcome speech, the Chief Administrator of Lanfuro District, Ato Shemse Gunda, briefed the audience about the climatic conditions of the district.

On the other hand, they visited the spring development works and various developmental activities underway in the woreda.

The Watershed Development Initiative Program was attended by Silte Zone Chief Administrator Ato Zeine Belka, Zone Chief Government Representative Ms. Neima Munir, Zone Deputy Administrator and Head of Agriculture Department Ato Mubera Kemal, Zone Political and Public Relations Sector Head Ato Sherefa Legeso, Zone Organization Sector Head Ato Salia Hassan, and Woreda Chief Administrator Ato Shemse Gunda, along with other Zone and Woreda officials.