DESCRIPTION:
Arba Minch received its name for the abundant local springs which produce a groundwater forest. Besides the forty springs crossing the town is a river kulfo, affectionately referred to as "cock river", which is used by the local people for washing cloths and farming. Located at the base of the western side of the Great Rift Valley, Arba Minch consists of the uptown administrative centre of Shecha and 4 kilometers away the downtown commercial and residential areas of Sikela, which are connected by a paved road. On the eastern side of Sikela is the gate to Nechisar National Park, which covers the isthmus between Lake Abaya to the north and Lake Chamo to the south. Buses and taxis connect the uptown and downtown parts; both parts have schools.[1]