Competing political parties underlined that the beginning of GERD’s filling is a catapult that will warrant Ethiopia to leapfrog levels of development. It must not be a victory that hypnotizes citizens to lapse into complacence.
The developmental feat we witnessed is a cusp in the country’s history. The success story registered must be used as a sling shot for yet another historic chapter that awaits the nation.
So disclosed political party leaders approached by EPA’s journalists.
Executive member of Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice Party Centeral Committee Girma Seifu noted that, from the very beginning, he was sure that GERD will materialize gradually. He said he was stunned by how the government handled the beginning of the filling of the dam wisely. Overwhelmed by the foretaste of the victory citizens must not slacken their developmental thrust. As it is only 5% of the task that country tackled there is a lot to be desired. GERD begs for unflagging support before it sees completion, he added.
According to him, starting from the past couple of years the government and the diaspora members that were arch enemies have been working hands in gloves in flagship projects like GERD. For the success achieved the role the diaspora played is a laudatory one.
The same support must continue in the days ahead. A lot is expected from them especially in foiling the external pressure Egypt and America labor to impose on the country and also in standing by their country.
“Doomsayers that used to utter “The dam will not start to hold water could keep on complaining it will not see the light one day,” said Girma Seifu.
It sure is better such individuals try to enjoy the fruits than downplaying them. Though difference in opinion is not seen as a criminal act, those politicians that compromise nation’s and citizens benefits and serve Trojan horses to external enemies must not continue scot free. “Such connivers get into track via the stick approach of law than the carrot one of advice.”
President of the Freedom and Equality Party Dr. Abdulkadir Adem on his part said “The first round filling of the dam, long awaited by Ethiopians, had delighted many. It is a hit in terms of success. The country’s stride avoiding administrative and technical pitfalls demonstrates an astounding leap. A mammoth task was accomplished in soliciting finance and reinforcing diplomatic missions. As the dam still needs added exertion specially the fight on the diplomatic front must pick up steam so that GERD actualizes in the slated time. All should come aboard this mission to contribute due share. Especially in ramming destructive concoctions, about the dam the role of the diplomatic community and the Ethiopian diaspora is immense.
Our main objective is locking horns with poverty and pounding it not inflecting harm on riparian countries. Continuously driving this home worldwide we must ensure the sentiment sinks in. Parties are charged with a huge national responsibility. Cognizant of this fact with no dissension over this flagship project all parties must stand united. The materialization of this dam must not be the task of a single party or the incumbent alone. Putting a spoke in the wheels of GERD is an unacceptable. Detractors must abstain from this ingratitude that will make them objects of blame in the annals of history.
Girma Bekle vice president of Hiber Ethiopia Political Party and vise secretary of the joint council of Ethiopian political parties noted the first-round filling of the dam ahead of time is appreciable. Those leaders who participated in the process starting from the inception of the idea to its completion deserve commendations. We owe a gratitude especially to the PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed who pulled off the project undaunted by the knotty economic and political situation here and on the global arena.
The credit also goes to citizens including from mothers that contributed money deducting from their modest income to billionaires not forgetting politicians. “Borrowing inspiration from the achievement citizens must throw their full weight behind managing the task ahead. “As the dam is handled by own effort and exorbitant finance, citizens must support the project one heartedly and unstintingly.”
“Regarding GERD, I do not believe those Ethiopians that cry foul charged with their or external enemies agenda are sane. I doubt their being Ethiopians. GERD is not the headache of the government alone. While mothers’ backs are breaking from carrying firewood and their eyes choking by smoke, turning a blind eye to this bitter fact is tantamount to the saying an elephant in the living room. I cannot wrap my mind around these tragic phenomena,” he added.
GERD is not only the wealth of this generation but also that of the coming ones. Hence, their respective parties must challenge such selfish individuals blinded by optimizing own benefit. He wrapped up capitalizing the need to replicate the national unity citizens portrayed in their midwifery role to GERD in troubleshooting other political challenges too.
The Ethiopian Herald August 2/2020
BY MEHARI BEYENE
