
-Public raise over 23.6 bln Birr for flagship dam
ADDIS ABABA – The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), also known as the Abbay Dam, stands as a monumental achievement built solely with the sweat, toil, and sacrifice of the Ethiopian people.
It is free from any foreign aid or loans, according to the Grand Renaissance Dam Coordination Project Office.
The Office Deputy Chief Executive Officer Fikrte Tamir reaffirmed in a statement that for the past 14 years, the Abbay Dam has been funded entirely through public and government contributions. “This project is our truth—one that cannot be changed by misinformation or false narratives,” she said.
Describing the Abbay dam as more than just a dam, she likened it to a modern-day Adwa, symbolizing national unity, resilience, and a renewed spirit of determination. “It has become a new national legend demonstrating our ability to save, to build our image, and to instill a winning mentality across generations.”
The project, completed without any foreign loans or grants, is viewed as a historic victory brought about by the moral, financial, technical, and diplomatic commitment of the Ethiopian people. According to the Office, Abbay dam reflects Ethiopia’s self-reliance, project leadership capacity, and deep-rooted culture of public engagement.
Fikrte also urged citizens and the Diaspora to continue supporting the project through bond purchases, donations, and platforms like itismydam.com, even after the dam’s operational milestones have been achieved.
The Office Director General Aregawi Berhe (PhD) emphasized that no external misinformation can negate the truth behind the dam’s construction. “The determination of the government and the unwavering support of the people, on a scale comparable only to the Battle of Adwa, are what brought the Abbay dam to its current stage,” he said.
So far, over 23.6 billion Birr has been raised from public contributions, including bond sales, donations, and Diasporas efforts. As of July 7, 2025, more than 84.4 billion Birr has been spent on labor, drainage, and other construction works. The Ethiopian Diaspora alone contributed 1.7 billion Birr in the past year a 7 percent increase from the projected 1.6 billion Birr.
BY ESSEYE MENGISTE
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 23 JULY 2025