Eng. Yohannes Abraha Desta

Professional Summary

Civil and irrigation engineer with approximately 19 years of professional experience in civil construction, large-scale irrigation and water infrastructure. His recent work includes management and supervision of the Netafim Gabon drip-irrigation project, including a 13,000 ha subsurface drip irrigation system, GRP and PVC pipeline networks, valves, filters, pumps, fertigation units, automation and associated civil works. He has also held senior engineering roles on the Zarema Dam main intake canal and Wolkaiyt drip-irrigation works, involving 52 km of GRP pipelines, four earthen-dam reservoirs, two intake structures and four pumping stations. Earlier experience includes water-works design and supervision, wind-farm civil works, asphalt-road construction and building projects. He combines irrigation engineering, construction supervision, multidisciplinary coordination, scheduling, quality control and field problem solving.

Key Expertise

Major Projects and Contributions

• Netafim Gabon Drip Irrigation Project – Site Supervision Manager
  Served as Site Supervision Manager from January 2025 to 14 August 2026 on a 13,000 ha subsurface drip irrigation project in Gabon. Supervised installation of civil and irrigation systems including pipes, driplines, valves, filters, pumps, fertigation units, automation and accessories; coordinated contractors and client representatives; tracked construction progress; resolved technical issues; and communicated project status, risks and corrective actions.
• Netafim Gabon Drip Irrigation Project – Site Engineer
  Served as Site Engineer from June 2021 to December 2024. Supported the project manager in coordination and design matters and carried out design and supervision work related to GRP pipeline systems and large-scale irrigation infrastructure.
• Zarema Dam Main Intake Canal & Wolkaiyt Drip Irrigation Project
  Worked as Chief Office Engineer Head with Sur Construction Plc from December 2013 to June 2021 under Baran International Ltd. as client. Supported design and construction management for major irrigation works including approximately 52 km of GRP pipelines, four earthen-dam reservoirs, two intake structures and four pumping stations; coordinated client and consultant engineers; prepared design templates and progress submissions; and was frequently delegated to manage site activities in the project manager's absence.
• Tigray Water Bureau – Water Engineer
  Worked as Water Engineer from November 2011 to November 2013, preparing water-works designs, checking payment certificates and supervising water infrastructure works.
• Ashegoda Wind Farm Project – Site Engineer
  Worked as Site Engineer with Rama Construction Plc from October 2010 to November 2011 on the Ashegoda Wind Farm Project, with VERGNET as client. Prepared working drawings for site foremen and liaised with the engineer on technical issues.
• Mekelle Asphalt Road Project – Site Inspector
  Worked as Site Inspector with Nomy Engineering Plc from June 2009 to October 2010 on the Mekelle asphalt-road project, contributing to construction supervision and site-quality activities.
• Mekelle University Ayder Campus – Site Inspector
  Worked as Site Inspector with Studio Samson Adiss Architects & Engineers Consult from January 2008 to January 2009 at Mekelle University Ayder Campus. Responsibilities included construction inspection, construction-material quarry selection, preparation of samples for testing and monthly work scheduling.