Eritrea's Coastal Marine and Island Biodiversity Conservation Project

The coastal plain north of the Buri Peninsula is crossed by six major streams (of which Felket, Moga’e, Laba, Desset and Haddas) which originate
from the plateau of the central and northern highlands and/or the eastern escarpments.
These wadis carry much runoff during the summer season from July to September and the Eastern Slope Agricultural Development Potential Study
conducted in 1996 has estimated that a total of 730 million cubic meters of flow reaches annually the Red Sea in this area.
The spate flows of most of the wadis north of Massawa are utilized for agriculture through diversion practices during the flood season. This type of
irrigation is commonly known as “spate irrigation”. Irrigation water from these wadis spate flows are usually diverted using traditional diversion
embankments, known as ‘Agums’ constructed across the wadis using materials from the wadi bed including bush and stones. The diverted flow are
conveyed and distributed by large channels and basins.
2.2.3. The coastal zone from south of the Buri Peninsula
The major river (Ramod-Regalle) drains into the Danakil depression. The coastal plain is fed by small wadis that originate from the top of the ridges
separating this area from the Danakil depression. These small wadis are with insignificant surface flows and have negligible impact on the groundwater
of the coast. They are active during the winter season, from November to March.
These types of wadis are not favorable to build up fresh groundwater by infiltration of water through the coarse-grained wadi bottom. Recent
assessments have revealed that all coastal fishing villages between Tio and Marsa Fatma are getting potable water by trucking water from about 45-97
km distance.
2.2.4. Fresh Water Resources in the islands
The inhabited Eritrean islands are suffering from critical shortages of potable water. Usually, residents excavate big holes or build cistern like on
Dahlak El Kebir to capture the little run-off generated from the limited precipitation in the area and these are usually not sufficient to meet demands.
On the long term, the only option for islands is to consider small scale desalination facilities (as already installed in Dahlak El Kebir) and to supply by
truck potable water to these communities. On islands, any tourism development will have to be self sufficient for water and provide support to the local
community.
2.2.5. Major issues and future options
State of the Coast Eritrea, 2006-2007 9