BY STAFF REPORTERS
Dr. Aregawi Berhe was a veteran politician and fighter who was exiled for many years. He continued his political struggle abroad ever since his departure from home. Following the political change in Ethiopia three years ago he returned home to resume his struggle. Along with his active political involvement here, Dr. Aregawi is also serving as Director-General of the National Coordination Office for the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
The day for the launching of the construction of the GERD has coincided with that the ushering of reform in the country with the coming of Dr. Abiy Ahmed as Prime Minister. Ethiopians are now celebrating the 10th anniversary of launching the project as well as the 3rd anniversary of PM Abiy coming to the office.
Ethiopian Press Agency has interviewed Dr. Aregawi to glance at the 10 years of Ethiopian peoples perseverance to build the mega project which has a lot of meanings in their life as well as the changes and achievements scored in the country after the political reform during the last three years. Excerpts:
Would you tell us a summary of the major performance and achievements of the office since the launching of the project?
We are now preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the construction of the GERD. The project is delayed because the previous administration was highly shackled by corruption. It stuck to the corrupt and unprofessional procedure. There are many improvements after the reform. Many changes are observed especially in alleviating the problems that hindered the construction.
The government is working with due commitment to make the people cherish the sense of unity and ownership. It has still given due attention. Adequate work has been done in the field of diplomacy too.
We have scored a lot after the reform, in less than two years. We are now left with only 20 percent of the work. Yet it needs a lot of public participation. As the dam progresses there are a lot of things that emerge along with it.
As we need a lot of material towards the end, we need to do a lot of work by then. We have attained this level by now. The people are also participating ardently. Citizens both at home and abroad as well as friends of Ethiopia are providing support.
Every Ethiopian is striving to leave their fingerprint. The government is also working with due effort to live up to its words to deliver the project. We are also preparing to celebrate the 10th anniversary with this in mind. Increased participation of the people is still vital. The dam is a symbol of the people’s unity, sovereignty, pride and endurance. It is being constructed to address the dire needs of many Ethiopians for a source of lighting and energy for cooking their food. We know that the people are eagerly waiting for the completion of the dam. If we continue with our current pace we are hopeful that we can finish it in two years. We need a lot of equipment to launch the 13 turbines. There are many obstacles. But we are working with the hope to finalize the work in a short period.
How do you explain the activities of mobilizing the public in the last 10 years?
The people are increasing their participation. Ethiopians are raising their participation to repeat the victory of Adwa which was achieved through unity. The dam is a symbol of unity, sovereignty and justice for the people of Ethiopia. They are engaged in an increased level of participation understanding the benefits to them. Their participation is also increasing from time to time. People from all walks of life are contributing their share by leaving aside their differences since they believe that the dam is their symbol of unity and endurance. In general, the people in all corners of the country are working strenuously by taking the dam as the top national agenda.
So far, we have not properly used our water and soil. But now people have vowed to exploit their resources as they have understood that it has been wasted for years. While we, the owners have used only 1.5 percent, Egypt has been using 60 percent of it. Sudan has also used about 20 percent. What we have used so far is only for drinking. We have not used the water for industry or agriculture. The people have realized their rights to use the water and are increasing their participation in the construction of the dam. They are also waiting for the completion eagerly.
People are making an encouraging effort in buying bonds. Buying bonds has not stopped; it is rather growing day by day. But a lot remains to hit the desired level. Now only banks and other business companies are buying bonds. So, the government and stakeholders should do their best to motivate more buying bonds.
You have been exiled for many years. After returning home you have become Director of this office. Have you ever thought about this?
I am happy that I have returned home following the reform. I was waging the struggle to return home. But I have never thought that I would become the director of this office. I used to wish to become a university lecturer or share my thoughts through writing books. But the government has assigned me here. I am also doing my job gladly.
How do you explain the changes after the reforming leadership come to power? And the challenges faced?
There are gaps in the course of change. No one can be free of challenges. Going with the changes has its challenges. Something that makes this change difficult is the pre-existed restrictive and backward systems. To start change is expected to have challenges. The previous system was not recruited by the people to the people. Those in power for so long were not serving the people, but for their interest. As a result, our people have been charged. Now, this is changing.
The people have to be free to be organized in civil society organizations as per the law. If the people can be organized, there will no challenge to protect rights. Thanks to the change, the window for peace and democracy is opened. However, some elements want to enter the other way other than the opened door. The changes so far are not simple. For me, this change can be considered revolutionary. I heard some people saying this change is a reform. I beg a difference here. The change is something that opened a door for the people to hold power. I see differences reflected in this regard. Some opportunities want to impose their interest using this difference. Some elements want to return us to the previous system. The TPLF Junta is thriving to regain the last 27 years system. This is impossible.
How do you see the causes for this change? Are the efforts done to address the issues of equal opportunity, human rights abuse and the like?
That is yet to be done. It is not possible to say that everything is addressed. There are several challenges. The problem is because the people are not organized to defend their rights and shoulder responsibility. They must be organized to defend their interests and responsibilities. This helps the government to address the demands of the people as well. It can help in many ways; In terms of finance, security, justice and other issues. But the fact is not like, but it is being tried. It is already started. During the last three years, the country has seen thousands of civil society organizations. An organized force is helpful to develop and country and control government bodies. The problems are on the side of those who stand against the change.
There are groups in every region working day and night to challenge the change. Everywhere, there are messengers of the TPLF Junta. There is a need to control them. This is not to mean that to hunt them with guns but to organize the people and uncover their interests are not to change the people. Organized people cannot let them go free for their selfish interests. Such challenges will be shaped in this way. Therefore, I can say that here there is some sort of weakness. I believe that we must work in this regard.
How do you explain the future hopes of the change from the perspective of the election?
It is good to conduct the election. This helps to respect the interest and vote of the people. It must be conducted. Along with that, it is important to mobilize people and ensure security. For instance, it is impossible to conduct an election in Tigray as the junta has spread everywhere to cause havoc. There is also a likelihood of similar problems in other areas. People should be allowed to examine and choose a party that they want. The situation doesn’t allow a fair and democratic election. There are many obstacles here and there. Paving the way for such an election is the responsibility of the government.
The Ethiopian Herald April 2/2021
