Ethiopia - Oromia Water and Energy Resource Development Bureau (OWERDB)

Oromia Water and Energy Resource Development Bureau (OWERDB) is one of the executing bureaus of Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia. The Bureau is mandated to manage, develop and control all water, mineral and energy resources of the region in support of socio-economic development.

This governmental body regulates all water suppliers in the Oromia regional state. In the smaller settlements so called Woreda Water Teams (WWTs) are responsible for the operation and maintenance of the water infrastructure. In the larger towns more autonomous Town Water Supply and Sanitation Services Enterprises (TWSSSEs) are responsible. Aside from its regulatory function OWERDB is also often directly involved in technical and financial support of both the WWTs and the TWSSSEs, thus forming a key actor in the region.

Daniel Truneh
Regional Team Leader
Wonde Hirpa