In a just ended weekend, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid a one –day working visit to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) at Guba, Benshangul-Gumze State.
During the visit, it was noted that about 70 per cent of work on GERD has been completed and the premier also urged all foreign and local companies involving in various construction activities of the dam to work as one team.
He, moreover, appreciated all those who incepted the flagship project and the government for taking immediate administrative action to replace the poor management that used to be the main cause of delay in the construction.
Absolutely true, the reformists ‘introduction of swift measures to readdress the wrongdoings of the previous management have saved GERD form being history of failure.
Along the same vein, Ethiopia once again expressed its unwavering commitment to equitable usage of the Nile waters without any ill intentions for downstream countries during the negotiations on the filling and operation of the GERD by Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan in Washington D.C last week.
Hopefully, the tripartite GERD talks will bring an end the points of disagreement relating to filling and operation of GERD in the end of February as all of the countries announced that they made great progress in the latest negotiations.
For sure, upon the completion of the GERD, Ethiopia would be a hub of renewable electric power in Africa. This is because; the nation’s power generating capacity would be over 10,000 Mega Watts.
No one denies the fact that GERD has boosted the can -do- spirit of Ethiopia more than ever. That is why from all corners of the country every fellow citizen is proudly saying: “we are the only ones who determine the future of our beloved nation.”
In fact, the dam has vanquished the wrong widely held views of some irresponsible Egyptian politicians who used to say ‘Taking drip of water from the Nile waters by any Nile Basin countries is tantamount to a declaration of war against Egypt.’
Apparently, GERD has also been playing a big role in strengthening regional integration. Respecting international laws, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have been working together to beneficially use the Nile waters. These three countries are now striving to make the Nile River base of mutual growth and development.
Locally, GERD has created strong national consensus among Ethiopians. Presently, expect few individuals who work day in and day out to destabilize the hard won peace and development, all Ethiopians living inside and abroad are doing everything in their capacity to see the completion of this most anticipated project in a very near future.
Right now, over ten thousands Ethiopian workers are sweating blood as the construction of GERD is being carried out round the clock. Thanks to these hard working fellow citizens, GERD is well under way and the nation undoubtedly will soon realize its prosperity.
To make poverty a past history, such grand project is crucial as it hastens the ongoing efforts of nation to brining prosperity in the shortest time possible.
In sum, Ethiopia will definitely reclaim its can-do-spirit with economy. Ethiopia will regain its past glorious times by defeating poverty through hard work and viable economic policy. Fighting any odds, it will also remain to be an oasis of peace and security.
The Ethiopian Herald, February 4/2020
