ADDIS ABABA – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed urged citizens to be committed more than ever to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and finalize the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
“We are facing two significant challenges during this crucial period as we celebrate the ninth anniversary of the construction commencement of GERD. One is the coronavirus and the other is the influence it poses on GERD construction,” the PM said in a statement issued on his official
Facebook page yesterday in relation to the ninth anniversary of GERD’s construction.
Although the number of COVID-19 victims stood at 29 currently, he said, it might increase in the coming weeks. The disease has been identified in other places besides the capital Addis Ababa.
“We all need to strive in order to prevent the spread of the disease in areas where farmers and pastoralists reside,” he stressed.
The government is working to strictly enforce safety laws, and provide protection and medical supplies everywhere, Abiy added. The necessary organization has been set up for the implementation of these measures.
He also said that GERD is among the precious blessings of Ethiopia for which all citizens care and give too much importance as it is “the fruit of our toil.”
Noting that the COVID-19 pandemic will have a significant impact in the effort to finalize the construction of GERD, he called on citizens to exert
maximum care and discipline in preventing the spread of the disease and show a strong commitment to finalizing the construction of the Dam.
In the meantime, he also called on citizens to financially support the construction by sending SMS to 8100.
Meanwhile briefing journalists in relation to the ninth year anniversary of GERD, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr. Eng. Sileshi Bekele said yesterday that the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a response to Ethiopia’s age-long quest to ensure fair and equitable utilization of the river Nile.
The Minister also added besides, the project is also exemplary for other African countries to utilize their resources with their own initiative and capacity.
The nine years journey has been full of challenges due to contractual situations and lower riparian countries, particularly Egypt, he added.
After resolving technical and contractual challenges, and ensuring that Ethiopia has a right to utilize its resources, the construction is well underway and has reached 72.4 percent.
Sileshi also said maximum attention has been given to minimize the impact of COVID-19 on the construction process and to ensure the health of the workers.
The 9th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone will not be celebrated on the project site and other places due to the pandemic. Rather, the media will take the initiative in commemorating the event.
He noted that Ethiopia will continue to strengthen its diplomatic relations with the riparian countries and other countries.
He called on the public to continue strengthening public participation in the project.
The Ethiopian Herald April 2/2020
BY STAFF REPORTERS
