Alemayehu Tegenu, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia
The Ethiopian Press Agency has recently approached with Alemayehu Tegenu, Former Minister of the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity. Alemayehu now works as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Russia. The Ethiopian Herald has here translated some relevant points of the interview from Addis-Zemen daily newspaper. Here the Excerpts as follows:
EPA: – How was the people’s awareness about the renaissance dam during its start up?
Alemayehu: – The awareness of the people during the introduction of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) was extremely high. River Nile was not used for development purposes for centuries, except being labelled as a means to modify musical melodies and entertainment. It remained issues of regrets for several years. As of the launching ceremony, the people from all corners of the country expressed their happiness and promised to fully participate in the construction.
EPA: – You were one of the experts participated in the study conducted to find out the significance and reliability of the project. How do you explain the situation from the beginning of the study until its implementation?
Alemayehu: – Obviously, Ethiopia has huge energy demand. To realize its desire, Ethiopia needs to develop its water resources. In addition, there are sources of energy such as Geothermal, Wind and Biomass. Though water is the only major means to realize Ethiopia’s energy demand, it needs to develop its own waterfalls and major rivers. Hence, under the Ministry of Water, Energy and Electricity, We have conducted a feasibility study to construct a dam over River Nile. There were also energy master plans readied for implementation.
The reality in terms of the Ethiopia’s energy demand indicates that Ethiopia could not able to generate adequate electric power. Due to this fact, many Ethiopians were forced to live in abject poverty; forcing mothers to carry firewood from a long distance, and causing students to pursue their education without electricity. Now, all these short comings are visible in Ethiopia. In this case, industries could not able to obtain adequate energy to produce manufactured goods and provide enough job opportunities for youths. It is true to say Ethiopia’s energy demand remains a matter of life or death.
Since energy for Ethiopia is a matter of existence, pondering on alternative energy sources is not optional; it is rather necessary and compulsory to get out of poverty. Among the major energy alternatives such as Gibe-3, we had focused on Nile river basins. The river known as Border located around Benishagul Gumuz State, the current GERD, was one of the project proposed to be studied as best place to produce energy. At that time, the study found out that only 2100 megawatts of electricity could be generated from renaissance dam.
After the completion of the study, there were complex processes to launch the construction based on the findings. We have also faced various challenges. For example, its geographical landscape was hilly and covered by forest which had no road to discover the entire ecosystem.
Then, the construction agreement was signed between the then Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity and Salini Engineering. The construction was launched right after the corner stone was laid by the late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, on Saturday 02 April 2011.
EPA: – Since the project was well accepted by the government and people of Ethiopia, what was the major reason to lag behind the scheduled completion time.
Alemayehu: – As previously publicized by many media outlets, the Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC), which works on the electromechanical part, could not able to move consistently with Salini Engineering that works on civil parts.
EPA: – Many people think that the project was failed under political and administrative problems, however most of the project works was seized by METEC. What is your comments in this regard?
Alemayehu: – The project has its own organizational structure. It has its own office and leadership. If METEC failed to administer the project, the Electric Power and the Management Board had to take serious measures. But, it could not happen. Thus, we had been reporting about the delay, particularly when the filling time was overdue. Perhaps, there may be political and administrative problems at office level, but the major reason was created by METEC. In term of starting the construction of the dam might also have political and administrative problems. Since there was an attempt to hide the truth about the progress, the people who raised question in this regard is relevant.
EPA: – Many people also blamed the
Construction Coordination Board Chairman for all the mistakes observed in this regard. Does it make sense?
Alemayehu: – During the reign of Meles Zenawi, the project was tabled for evaluation every month. After his death, no evaluation was conducted. Secondly, there was a cluster structure which evaluates the project every two months. It could not also properly be executed. The Board did not evaluate the project on schedule. Even if he did it, the Board will not send evaluation reports to the Ministry. But, we usually collect information from the electric power office to tell some gaps about the progress. Having such information, we were giving press conference. At this time, the Board Chairman was offensive and unpleasant. He often accused us saying: “giving press conference is not your business.” So that, the project goes from public to individual’s proprietorship.
Thus, it is true to say the project became as ‘one man project’. At that time, the Chairman of the Board was Dr. Debretsion, while the members were Debebe from Prime Minister Office, Workineh Gebeyehu, and one person from the Commercial Bank. All these members were pronouncing as they did not evaluate the project at any time. The Chairman used to say: “I am the only attendant of the project.” Therefore, no one could able to stop METEC’s engagement that causes for the overall delay of the entire project.
EPA:- After the reform led by Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed, serious measures were taken on the overall project to find out the gaps and address the problems. What are the solutions forwarded to curtail the existed problems?
Alemayehu: – After Prime Minister Abiy coming to power, GERD is one of the projects which was seriously evaluated and got in to intensive reform. In this evaluation, all experts and professionals are participated. Leadership failure was identified as the major reason for the problem of the delay. The evaluation also indicated the project should be given to other proper contract agreement so as to get the project on to the track. To make this happen, new board members were elected. Girma Biru is elected as a Chairman.
Since the Board has owned complete freedom, it could able to start evaluating the project, identify the problems, and suggest appropriate solutions. Under the leadership of Dr. Eng. Sileshi Bekele, the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Electricity could also participate in each and every activity of the project. In this regard, METEC has been blamed for all the failures and asked to bring solution for all misused properties. Later, the project management responsibility has been taken from METEC and the current Project Manager Kifle Horo could hold the place.
EPA: – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed once said the reform comes for the sake of the Grand Renaissance Dam. How do you interpret this remark?
Alemayehu: – It is true expression. The construction of the Dam was first in good track; but it could be tumble down somewhere in the middle. Of course, the reform could able to save the existence of the dam which all the poor and the rich have invested billions of dollars and incalculable labour forces. Secondly, big change is made in terms of quality. Over the past two years, the construction of the Dam has been going well maintaining the required quality and standards. A lot of works have been undertaken since the ongoing reform begins.
Some people spoke that the Dam is sold. But, they should ask themselves how it could be? The Dam is constructed inside Ethiopia’s border. For whom can you sell it? There is no buyer or seller. A Dam is not a ship; you cannot move and sell to other country. Perhaps, there may be some individuals or groups who provide information for negotiation with antagonists so as to gain unreasonable benefit.
EPA: – Do you have any comments about the negotiators who defend the dam representing the Ethiopian peoples and government?
Alemayehu: – This negotiating team was established at the beginning of the construction of the dam. As of today, the people and government of Ethiopia are happy for them. Personally, I am glad to see such modern patriots who take the issue seriously and defend the country’s interest. The construction is still running regularly in line with the long standing negotiation.
Ethiopia always follows the international principles, to undertake fair, equitable and reasonable use of cross Border Rivers. It is necessary that Ethiopia has to develop its water resources which accommodates over 110 million people who do not have enough access to electricity. Since it provides 86 per cent of Water to the River Nile, it is unfair to leave the resources for granted to other country. The negotiation run under the theme “equitable utilization” is really appropriate and praiseworthy.
EPA: – Thank you for your time
Alemayehu: – Thank you
The Ethiopain Herlad Jun 20, 2020
BY ZELALEM GIRMA
