Professional Summary
Eng. Desalegn Laelago Ersado is an Ethiopian hydraulics and water resources engineer with strong academic, research, field, and teaching experience in hydraulics engineering, irrigation engineering, water resources development, watershed management, water allocation modelling, and hydraulic structures.
He holds an MSc in Civil Engineering with specialization in Hydraulics Engineering from Hawassa University and a BSc in Water Resources and Irrigation Engineering from Hawassa University. His academic formation is supported by practical field experience, watershed-scale water allocation research, and university-level teaching in hydraulic structures, irrigation engineering, and water resources development.
His MSc thesis on surface water resources allocation modelling in the Bilate Sub-Basin of the Rift Valley Lakes Basin reflects his strong ability to analyse competing water demands and support evidence-based water planning. His work considered irrigation, water supply, livestock, wildlife, and environmental flow requirements, as well as scenario-based allocation to maximize overall watershed benefits.
He has contributed to water balance and water management studies through Hawassa University water works consultancy activities, supporting data collection, mapping of irrigation projects, water supply reporting, socio-economic assessment, identification of water shortage areas, and development of mitigation measures. His work also involved collaboration with zonal, woreda, and kebele stakeholders through awareness campaigns, meetings, and community engagement.
As Lecturer at Hawassa University, Institute of Technology, he contributes to the education of future engineers by designing teaching materials, delivering lectures, seminars and tutorials, training students and professionals, conducting research, and supporting technology-transfer activities that address community water challenges.
His technical strength includes GIS, HEC-RAS, EPANET, AutoCAD, WaterCAD, CROPWAT, WEAP, MIKEBASIN, CCHE2D, and water resources modelling tools. This combination makes him especially valuable for irrigation planning, hydraulic structures, watershed management, basin-scale water allocation, and water resources development projects in Ethiopia and Africa.
His profile brings strong value to AquaLinked / Water for Africa Experts because he represents a practical and academic water engineer capable of connecting hydrological analysis, hydraulic design, irrigation planning, stakeholder engagement, community water needs, and technical education.
Expertise
Specialties
Projects & Contributions
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Surface Water Resources Allocation Modelling – Bilate Sub-Basin, Rift Valley Lakes Basin
Conducted MSc research on modelling surface water resources allocation in the Bilate Sub-Basin of the Rift Valley Lakes Basin. The work focused on competing water demands, scenario-based allocation, irrigation water needs, water supply, livestock, wildlife, and environmental flow requirements to support more balanced and evidence-based basin planning. -
Water Balance and Water Management Studies – Hawassa University Consultancy Activities
Contributed to water balance and water management studies under Hawassa University income-generating enterprise and water works consultancy activities. His work supported practical water resources planning, watershed assessment, and community-focused water development. -
Water Resources Development Data Collection in SNNPRS Weredas
Participated in data collection for water resources development projects and socio-economic conditions across SNNPRS weredas, with special focus on the Bilate Sub-Basin and Rift Valley Lakes Basin. This work supported improved understanding of community water needs and resource-development priorities. -
Mapping of Existing Irrigation Projects and Water Supply Reporting
Provided technical support to woreda engineers and socio-economists in mapping existing irrigation projects and preparing water supply reports. This contribution strengthened local planning, documentation, and assessment of water infrastructure conditions. -
Watershed Water Demand Assessment and Allocation Planning
Assessed water demand within watersheds for irrigation, domestic water supply, livestock, wildlife, and environmental flow requirements using physical data. His work supported optimal allocation of water among competing users to maximize overall watershed benefits under different scenarios. -
Critical Water Shortage Identification and Mitigation Planning
Identified areas of critical water shortage within watersheds, assessed causes of scarcity, and proposed both structural and non-structural mitigation measures. This contribution supports drought preparedness, water security, and practical intervention planning for vulnerable communities. -
Stakeholder Awareness and Community Engagement for Water Scarcity Mitigation
Conducted regular awareness campaigns, meetings, and events to support implementation of water scarcity mitigation measures in collaboration with zonal, woreda, and kebele stakeholders. This work reflects strong communication, coordination, and community mobilization capacity. -
Lecturer in Hydraulics, Irrigation and Water Resources Engineering – Hawassa University
Serves as Lecturer at Hawassa University, Institute of Technology, School of Civil Engineering, preparing and delivering teaching materials in hydraulic structures, water resources development and management, irrigation structures, irrigation engineering, and related courses. -
Training, Research and Technology Transfer for Community Water Problems
Provides training, conducts research, and supports technology transfer aimed at solving selected and prioritized community water problems. His university role connects academic instruction with practical water-sector needs. -
Site Engineering and Construction Inspection – Aminadab Water Works Construction PLC
Worked with Aminadab Water Works Construction PLC as a site engineer, gaining practical field experience in water works construction, field visits, and construction inspection activities. -
Water Works Construction and Consulting Engineering Internship Experience
Gained early professional experience in water works construction and consulting engineering through internship work, strengthening his exposure to practical project implementation, site conditions, and engineering consultancy processes. -
Advanced GIS and Hydraulic Modelling Applications
Applies advanced GIS and hydraulic/water resources modelling tools including HEC-RAS, EPANET, AutoCAD, WaterCAD, CROPWAT, WEAP, MIKEBASIN, and CCHE2D to support irrigation planning, hydraulic analysis, water allocation, and water resources engineering projects. -
Future Contribution: Basin Planning, Irrigation Development and Water Allocation in Africa
Aims to contribute to sustainable water resources development, irrigation planning, watershed management, hydraulic structures, water allocation modelling, GIS-based planning, and community-focused water solutions that improve water security and agricultural resilience in Ethiopia and Africa.