ADDIS ABABA – FDRE Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed said timely completion of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) would be “a matter of life and death for Ethiopians”.
“Every single day it needs a serious attention and management since it bears the finger print of every Ethiopian. It must be completed within the time table” the Premier add members of the house yesterday. Accomplishing GERD is not only a moral responsibility but also a matter of preventing extra possible expense incurred due to the delay, Dr. Abiy said adding by completing the project on time we will gain a lot.
“Not only this but also, the private sector must be highly engaged in the economy of the country in order to have effective works and since the private sector is the main employer and also innovator.” he elaborated. Dr. Abiy further said the project whose budget was estimated at only 80 billion birr upon inauguration has already incurred 60 percent inflation due to the delay so far. “If we can’t finish it up on the planned time it will double the inflation again and it will harm the economy of the country.”
The Premier explained. “Out of the budget invested on the dam, a fifth of it is debt. That is why we have made a serious evaluation and taken actions on GERD so that it doesn’t incur inflation anymore.” The Prime Minister expressed hope that the standing committee will follow the activity of the GERD and work towards successfully completing the project GERD within the coming four years.
Herald February 2/2019
BY HAILE DEMEKE
