. Public contributes 484 million Birr in last six months
ADDIS ABABA- Office of National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) discussed with diasporas on ways of reviving and sustaining public contribution to the national project as unfounded claims float on social media. Office held a discussion forum yesterday in what it said was vital to clarify confusions and misinformation surrounding the project and brief diasporas on current status of the dam thereby galvanize public support and restore trust.
Deputy GERD Project Manager Ephrem G/Kidan told around 110 diaspora community that the public since the inception of the project have already contributed over twelve billion Birr and while the government contributed about 98 billion Birr. The construction is now going smoothly and the dam will be finalized in four years of time.
Public participation were weakening due to misinformation but the public continues its support contributing about 484 million Birr in the last six month. Office of National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of GERD Communication Director Hailu Abreham on his part said the diasporas have contributed about 46 million USD worth bond purchase cash donation , and others over the last eight years.
Herald February 1/2019
BY MISGANAW ASNAKE
