Arba Minch University (AMU), in collaboration with the Ethiopian Maritime Authority (EMA) and Ethiopian Navy (ETHN) has started conducting a five-round comprehensive bathymetric survey at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) since February 06, 2026. Click here to see more photos.
AMU President, Dr. Eng. Abdella Kemal, recalled the strong foundation laid for AWTI as one of the University’s priority centers of excellence, underscoring its strategic national role. He emphasized that following the successful completion of the GERD, continuous monitoring of sedimentation levels and water volume is essential to ensure the Dam’s long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. He noted that bathymetric survey data are critical for guiding future interventions, including identifying appropriate sites for soil and water conservation measures within the catchment area.
Dr. Abdella added that the project budget will be mobilized in collaboration with partner organizations and stressed that AMU, through AWTI, is actively engaged in major national and regional initiatives that require further strengthening through capacity building and financial support from global partners. He commended the leadership and staff of AWTI for undertaking such significant national assignments and affirmed plans to immediately extend similar surveys to Lake Abaya and Lake Chamo upon completion of the GERD study.
Briefing on the first-round bathymetric survey, Dr. Tamiru Tesseme, Scientific Director of AWTI, emphasized that the Institute’s role extends beyond academic engagement to broader national and international responsibilities. He noted that, in collaboration with the World Meteorological Organization, AWTI is nearing recognition as an African Regional Training Center and in collaboration with the Global Water Partnership Center, AWTI plans to evolve into an African Water Training Center.
Dr. Tamiru added that AMU, through AWTI, is working to systematically generate comprehensive data on national water bodies in partnership with universities and institutions at regional, national, and continental levels. According to him, the ongoing GERD bathymetric survey will enhance the Dam’s effective utilization by supporting targeted hydropower generation, fisheries development, and navigation or recreational applications.
Dr. Demelash Wondimagegnehu, Associate Professor of Hydrology and Water Resources Engineering at AMU and project coordinator, along with AWTI senior lecturers Yared Godine and Zelalem Aniley from the Meteorology and Hydrology disciplines, has been stationed at the GERD site since February 6, 2026, to lead the fieldwork. Dr. Demelash noted that this effort represents the first of five planned survey rounds, to be implemented progressively based on the budget sources. He emphasized that the bathymetric data will be vital for estimating reservoir depth, volume, and surface area; monitoring sedimentation; optimizing reservoir operations; and informing infrastructure planning, including potential shoreline developments such as recreational facilities.
The initiative is being implemented under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on June 5, 2025, between AMU and the Ethiopian Maritime Authority, which promotes enhanced technical cooperation in hydrology, geospatial science, and remote-sensing technologies. In accordance with the agreement, the Ethiopian Navy Force provides operational support, facilitates field activities, and oversees implementation to ensure adherence to timelines, technical standards, and expected deliverables, while the Ethiopian Maritime Authority fully finances the first round of the survey.
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