Ethiopian Electric Power has called on local administrative bodies to fulfill their responsibilities in ensuring the security of the Melka Wakana Hydropower Plant.
EEP has held discussions with officials from the Oromia Region, West Arsi Zone, and surrounding districts in Shashemene City to address operational and safety challenges at the power plant.
According to Duguma Neda, EEP’s Executive Officer of Corporate Governance and Compliance, the plant, which has been operational for 37 years, has recently faced significant threats to its operations and safety. He highlighted that during the dry season, excessive agricultural activities beyond the dam’s buffer zone have led to severe siltation.
Additionally, agricultural waste entering the station has obstructed the water intake to the power generation facilities.
Duguma further explained that the waste has clogged cooling systems, causing machinery to overheat and disrupting electricity generation.
He urged local administrations to raise awareness within the community and ensure the plant’s well-being, emphasizing its national importance.
Tewodros Bekele, the power plant’s manager, noted that four government-owned farms are located around the dam, some of which encroach on the buffer zone, posing a security risk. He also highlighted issues such as unauthorized construction, fencing, farming, and livestock grazing, which complicate boundary enforcement.
Desta Negiso, head of the Oromia Rural Development Office, stressed that safeguarding hydropower plants supports efforts to interconnect neighboring countries through power exports. He announced the formation of a task force, involving all stakeholders, to permanently address the station’s challenges.
Local authorities have been directed to halt activities threatening the station’s security and to restart suspended projects around the dam. The region is committed to collaborating with the corporation to ensure that all hydropower stations obtain proper land certification.
The discussions also highlighted the station’s contributions to urban development, electricity, water supply, and the establishment of nearby schools. Authorities are ready to create community awareness and collaborate with the corporation to protect the power plant.
The Melka Wakana Hydropower Plant, which began operations in 1988, has a generation capacity of 153 megawatts.

Clean Energy for Better life!