The Regional government of the Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples’ in Wolaita Zone initiated the Weybo Irrigation Development project in November 2021 G.C., aimed at harnessing the potential of the Weybo River for agricultural purposes. The project started with an estimated cost of 2.44 Billion Ethiopian Birr and is currently underway. Once completed, the irrigation system will cover an area of 3,429 hectares, providing ample opportunities for farming and cultivation.

This project is located in the Wolaita Zone Administration. The dam is being constructed in the Boloso Sore Woreda with the Irrigation Infrastructure spanning across the Boloso Sore Woreda and Boloso Bombie Woreda. The project is expected to have an astonishing impact; directly or indirectly benefiting more than 12,000 farmers located in 4(Four) Kebeles in the Boloso  Sore and 7(Seven) Kebeles in Boloso Bombie areas.

The dam measures 660 meters in length and 32.7 meters  in height, and cascades water over an area of 640hectares which is expected to foster fish production and serve as a significant draw for tourism.

Upon its full completion, the project will be capable of holding 60 million cubic meters of water.  By the end of March 2021 G.C., 11.3% of the project has been completed.

This project faces several challenges including over exaggerated compensations, payment delays, and limited capacity of contractors and consulting firms. To address these issues, there have been repeated discussions with the concerned stakeholders to find solutions.

This project is divided into two lots; Lot I (Construction of Dam and Related Structures) which is carried out by South Water Works Construction Enterprise, and Lot II (Construction of Irrigation Land) which is being carried out through a joint venture between Cross Land Construction  PLC and Oromia Construction Corporation.

The supervising engineer overseeing this project is South Design and Construction Supervision Enterprise.