The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a long-time coming for Ethiopia that contributes over 85 percent of water to the Nile. As many Ethiopians may agree, the flagship project is, more than a concrete dam. In fact, for a country that was once synonyms with poverty, it is about connecting 64 percent of its population to power grid and supplying its expanding industries with the much-needed electricity.
The over four billion USD dam with a generation capacity of over 6,450 MW launched in 2011. It is meant to address Ethiopia’s growing energy demand. The first two turbines will commence power generation by 2021.
Though the issue of GERD remains a sovereign matter to Ethiopia, it has been pushing for humble and moderate discussion with downstream countries. It is even the first country to reach to a half road to encourage downstream countries to transparently discuss the technical issues of the dam.
As the country continues the construction of the dam, talks have also been simultaneously going on with Sudan and Egypt to ensure mutual trust and cooperation. This also perfectly clings to the international laws. These laws grant the country rights to develop its resources without inflicting significant harm to other downstream countries. The country still continues to stick its inclusive approach by maintaining positions in trilateral talks.
Amid Egypt’s negative rhetoric, Ethiopia renewed its commitment with regard to GERD cooperation. This was reaffirmed by President Sahlework Zewede. The president stated that while addressing the general debate of the 74th session of the General Assembly of the United Nations, she underlined that cooperation in Nile basin is not an option.
Rather it is a matter of necessity and an opportunity not only to Ethiopia but also to the downstream countries. Thus, the Dam should never be an object of competition and mistrust, but an opportunity for mutual benefit and gains.
“GERD should never be an object of competition and mistrust. Ethiopia strongly believes that the utilization of the Nile River shall be based on the principles of equitable and reasonable utilization of natural resources causing no significant harm,” as she noted rightly.
“The Government of Ethiopia is building the GERD along the Nile mainly to generate hydroelectric power,” she said.
Nearly, 65 million Ethiopians do not have access to electricity, she said. “The utilization of the Nile waters offers a unique opportunity for our trans-boundary cooperation between the sisterly countries of the region.
Regarding this, Endale Nigusse, Director of School of Diplomacy and International Relations at Civil Service University said: “Ethiopia has kept very moderate position and has not faltered when it comes to the tripartite talks while Egypt, in many ways, continues hindering the talks by switching positions and deliberately coming with different interests.”
What Ethiopia has been doing regarding the tripartite discussion is very amicable. The dam is 100 percent the unilateral decision that falls on Ethiopia. But this does not mean the country can hurt the interest of the riparian countries, Endale added.
“It is reckless that Egypt kept on prolonging the discussion. This eventually hits back the interest of Cairo. The way Addis Ababa is handling the matter is very objective and wise,”
Minister of Water, Irrigation and Electricity Dr. Eng. Seleshi Bekele also underscored that the efforts of Ethiopia are based on good faith and a sincere interest for cooperation.
He underscored that Nile as the main water resource is also a matter of survival for the country, emphasizing the need for reinforcing the existing platforms of cooperation to reach an understanding that serves the equal rights of the three countries. Accordingly, Ethiopia will continue to follow a cooperative approach that ensures its right and protects the interest of neighboring populations.
The Minister indicated the trilateral dialogue between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt on the GERD will enhance the right of all Nile Riparian States to utilize the shared water resource. In concluding his remarks, the Minister stated the trilateral engagements since the commencement of the construction of the GERD are successful and created an opportunity to bridge differences between the three countries.
Despite Ethiopia’s commitments towards cooperation, Egypt started to try derailing the talks by coming up with new proposals and tarnish the true sense of the dam.
The Ethiopian Herald October 4, 2019
BY DESTA GEBREHIWOT
