Multiple-purpose development of water resources

Abstract

Full and complete utilization of water resources is an economic and social advantage to all members of a society. The water resources potential of Ethiopia is practically untouched, and their systematic and wise development is of paramount importance for enjoying the maximum possible benefits. This paper indicates that, although a multiplepurpose development may not give the maximum benefit for one purpose, by including other purposes, it provides an optimum use of water thereby achieving a better over-all economy. It also points out the conflicting requirements of various functions and the difficulties they pose in the design of multiple-purpose projects. The paper summarizes some of the current practices of cost allocations to various functions of the multiple-purpose development and calls for giving more weight for multiple-purpose projects in this country than that they are given at present.