Rebuilding Lives: Restoring Critical Services in Ethiopia

A significant milestone was achieved for the communities of Alamata Woreda, Ethiopia, with the successful completion and handover of a key initiative to restore vital healthcare and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.

Led by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and funded by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), UNOPS undertook the critical task of rehabilitating damaged health centers in the towns of Garjela and Tao. This comprehensive project successfully reinstated a lifeline for over 31,500 people.

The initiative focused on transforming damaged infrastructure into fully operational facilities. Following detailed assessments, all necessary repairs and rehabilitation were completed, ensuring the health centers are now safe and functional for community use. A core achievement of this effort was the restoration of reliable access to clean water—an essential component for both medical treatment and infection prevention—alongside the establishment of functional sanitation systems designed to uphold dignity and prevent disease.

The impact of these improvements is already being felt. “During the conflict, our health center was completely destroyed, along with all its equipment. It was a devastating and demoralizing period… Now, I am happy to say that the center has been fully rebuilt and equipped. We are once again able to provide quality care to our community,” said Sister Tseagbhan Amabaye of the Garjela Health Center.

To ensure a full return to quality service, both health centers were equipped with essential medical devices and supplies. This integrated approach—combining structural repairs with WASH improvements and the provision of critical equipment—has established a sustainable environment for health service delivery. Parallel community engagement efforts successfully promoted improved hygiene practices, further safeguarding public health in the region.

The rehabilitation of water systems also brought immediate relief to households.
“It was an immense hardship. We had to walk an hour and a half each way for water, and even then, we shared the same source as our cattle. Now, having this clean, reliable water source fills me with profound happiness,” expressed Assefu Yirga, one of the beneficiaries.

Beyond the physical infrastructure, the project implemented a Cash for Work approach to accelerate restoration work. This strategy provided immediate income to members of the affected community who were hired to assist with labor and skilled tasks. This method effectively addressed urgent livelihood needs while injecting vital capital directly into the local economy, creating a positive ripple effect of financial stability.

By empowering residents as active partners in the recovery of their own infrastructure, the initiative fostered a powerful sense of ownership and dignity. The earned wages boosted local purchasing power, supporting small businesses and market activity. This model ensured that the project's benefits extended well beyond the health facilities, actively strengthening household resilience and fueling a more sustainable, community-driven recovery.

Community members also emphasized how the restored facilities have transformed access to healthcare.
“Before, we had to travel long distances for basic care, which was a great burden. Now, with a renovated building, more staff, and a fully equipped pharmacy, our local health facility is complete. We finally have the care we need close to home,” said Wuditu Beyene, one of the beneficiaries of the project.

Through the revitalization of these essential services, the project accomplished more than the repair of buildings. It actively supported community recovery and strengthened the resilience of the population. The restoration of access to safe healthcare and clean water has provided a fundamental sense of stability and hope, laying a strong foundation for long-term recovery and a healthier future for the people of Alamata Woreda.

The successful handover in December 2025 marks the conclusion of this vital intervention and the return of these critical community assets to sustainable local management.