The announcement of the successful completion of the second phase filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has upped euphoria among the public, a strong force behind the dam. People from all walks of life across the nation have been taking to the streets to express their excitement and continued support to the construction of GERD.
The hysteria came in defiance of foreign intervention and ongoing misinformation against Ethiopia in what some describe it as coordinated effort and collusion of internal and external forces to weaken the country. For many though, the accomplishment of the second filling of the dam proves Ethiopia’s endurance and invincibility against all odds.
Obviously, there have been discontent on the international community over the unfair treatment of Ethiopia with regard to GERD issue and the law enforcement operation in Tigray State. For many, the ongoing external pressure against Ethiopia is rather strengthening internal cohesion in the country.
With unfair foreign pressure showing no signs of slowing down, many are optimist that the country as witnessed in the second filling of GERD would emerge victorious in all fronts beating all the adversaries, a belief very much shared by Addis Ababa residents.
Some of Addis residents whom The Ethiopian Herald approached for comments believe that the second filling sends strong message to the world that no force can stand against Ethiopia’s ambition and righteousness.
One of the residents of Addis Ababa who goes by the name of Tefera Dagne said, “Ethiopia managed to fill the dam marvelously despite all the ado and the conspiracies. This is the second time Ethiopia proved the naysayers wrong. In point of fact, Ethiopia had experienced the same challenges during the first filling of the dam.”
Notwithstanding the fact that the downstream nations left no stone unturned to distract the second filling of the dam under the guise of various reasons, the calculated mission has not been attained.
“Despite Ethiopia’s enemies residing at home and abroad made every effort to sidetrack the filling of the dam, we managed to witness the successful completion of the dam through the determination the incumbent and the overall contribution of the public. Speaking honestly, all their efforts went for nothing. As the dam is the heartbeat of all Ethiopians, everyone has been struggling for the realization of the project. Nature is always by our side,” he continued.
“Everyone is extremely happy. Wherever I go, the filling of the dam is becoming the talking point of all Ethiopians. They are feeling on top of the world and expressing their happiness in various ways. Above and beyond, we have shown the world the fact that the construction of the dam does not cause any significant harm to the downstream nations,” he added.
He went on to say, “The construction of the dam rather plays a major role in reducing erosion and flooding in downstream countries.” That is probably way Egypt and Sudan came to accept the reality.
It is to be recalled that Egypt and Sudan last week told their people that the filling of the dam have not impacted the Nile rivers’ flows.
Another resident of Addis Ababa , Sintayehu Maru gave The Ethiopian Herald his comment landed with extreme sentiment that “The filling of the second phase of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a big victory for Ethiopians beyond question. The country has passed through many highs and lows to reach where it is in the present time. When I heard the news of the completion of the second filling of the dam, I could not control my feelings. Many things came in and out of my mind.
He went on to say, “I know the challenges Ethiopia faced since the laying of the cornerstone for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Most people were in remorse against this background. A considerable amount of poets had composed poems focusing on the giant Ethiopian River, which contributes 86% to the Nile River. But through the passage of time, Ethiopia set in motion making history and filling the population as a whole with happiness.” It is turning its ambition into action.
Since the inception of the dam, the downstream nations have been jumpstarting coming up with an extensive range of whys and wherefores with a view to destructing the construction of the dam.
“Unfortunately, Egypt has been endeavoring to divert the attention of Ethiopia from building the dam by destabilizing Ethiopia that cannot happen anytime. However, after passing through many rises and falls, Ethiopia managed to fill the second phase filling of the dam and broke the news to all Ethiopians.”
Another resident of Addis Ababa who goes by the name of Behaile Masresha regarding the second phase filling of the dam said, “The credit should go to all Ethiopians in view of the fact that they did the whole thing they could to be triumphant over the dam. It was not an easy process.
When the dam becomes fully operational, the lives of Ethiopians would be transformed just around the corner. No matter how long the night the day is sure to come.
“Ethiopians have shown their unity more vital than ever. They have proved their oneness and taken the international community by surprise. The dam is built by the tears and blood of all Ethiopians. People from all walks of life have been partaking in the dam. If we act in concert, we can outshine. Turning out to be successful in the end after passing through many challenges really gives great satisfaction,” he added.
The secret of accomplishment is living in harmony, peace, and other related aspects. If we put these elements into effect we can change the world even. As far as I am concerned, the second phase filling of the dam signals the fact that the future of Ethiopia is rosy. The country for sure will start exporting electricity.
He stressed that in earlier times, our hearts were broken when we talked about the Nile River seeing that the country failed to benefit from the river. Quite the opposite, the downstream nations have been providing their people with electricity and other related aspects while millions of Ethiopians have been residing in blackout.
I would like to thank God for making the dreams of Ethiopians become a reality. It is really a big achievement for the country and its people. As the saying goes time cures more than a doctor. Ethiopia is now stepping in the right direction. I am feeling secured. It is the property of all Ethiopians. It is the success of all Ethiopians. God has answered our prayers. All Ethiopians have done what they could for the realization of the project.
“Nowadays, the government of Ethiopia should take care of Ethiopia’s internal enemies given that nothing makes them happier than destabilizing the country,” he concluded.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
The Ethiopian Herald 22 July 2021
