ADDIS ABABA – Members of House of Federation said that if Ethiopians stand together, no force can stop them from realizing the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which has a great significance for Ethiopia and other African countries.
They noted that the construction of the project does not harm other countries, it rather benefits all.
Desta Lendamo, members of the House of Federation, who is also Head of the Sidama Zone, which recently voted in sweeping majority for statehood told The Ethiopian Herald that the dam has a great significance for Ethiopians and other African countries ranging from economy to social spheres.
“The GERD project is our common footprints. It is a source of pride for Ethiopians,” he said, adding that it will have an important role for our growing economy. We Ethiopians can defend any force if we stand together for national interest,” he insisted.
He reiterated that, for many years, our neighboring countries especially Egypt have been using the Nile River unilaterally. But when Ethiopia started building the GERD for mutual benefit, they started opposing. And also, they are taking the project as a threat.
“Especially Egypt is working tirelessly to block Ethiopia from constructing the dam, instead of supporting Ethiopia’s ambition, according to him. This is unfair and our African brothers and sisters have to stand with us and with truth, he said.
“We Africans must break away from colonial legacy which Cairo is trying to advance its monopolistic advantages, he added.
Agegnehu Teshager is a member of the House of Federation and head of the Prosperity Party Office in Amhara Regional State. He told The Ethiopian Herald that Ethiopia contributes the highest amount of water to the Nile. But, for many years, the country did not benefit from the river.
According to him, since Ethiopia began the construction of the GERD, it has caused disputes between Ethiopia and Egypt, as Cairo fears a negative impact of the dam. Several tripartite negotiations have been conducted to solve these disputes.
He noted that the best solution for Ethiopia and Egypt is working together and developing mutually by using common resources fairly.
He said that Ethiopia will start filling the dam in the upcoming July. “Ethiopia’s dam filling will not harm Egyptians. And also, it will not have a negative impact on Egypt’s annual flow of water.”
“Egypt’s actions to stop Ethiopia from benefiting from its resources are unacceptable. The international community has to understand Ethiopia’s ambition for mutual development,” he indicated.
Ethiopians have to unite to defend such complications, he said, adding that the role of media is also very high to acquaint the international community with the true causes behind the dam construction by disseminating information on different international languages as much as possible.
He also insisted that Ethiopian Diasporas and scholars living in different countries especially, who are working in international organizations, should play their role in informing the international community about the flagship project.
As Members of House of Federation representing Ethiopian people, we are working industriously to inform the public about the dam, and mobilizing the public to sustain and strengthen public’s contribution for the dam, he stated.
The Ethiopian Herald JUN 19, 2020
BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED
