Guba,BENISHANGUL-GUMUZ-The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) project said well underway.
In an exclusive interview with the visiting The Ethiopian Herald, Belachew Kassa Deputy Project Manager and Site Coordinator said that the construction of the dam is being carried out effectively since the obstacles have effectively been removed.
Presently, 68.3 percent of the total works of the dam is complete and expected to begin next year generating 750MW. Accordingly, the dam will fill with water until June 2020 and the units will be operational as of December.
The construction of the two power units (9, 10) that would be intended to generate power ahead of completion of the project has reached halfway mark. The construction of the main dam has reached 80 percent and of flood outlets 96 percent, he added. In relation to this, the construction of power house also reaches to 72 percent, he said.
The height of the dam on the left and the right sides has also reached 145 meters. According to him, 29 percent of the electro-mechanical work of the project is also finalized.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will be finalized by the end of 2023. GERD will be the largest dam in Africa with a total installed power of 6,450 MW at the end of the works.
The Ethiopian Herald September 26, 2019
BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN
