Ethiopia, Egypt, Sudan agree on a scientific study
ADDIS ABABA–The Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy vowed to accelerate the construction of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) whose mechanical works face delay. On a panel discussion yesterday, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy , Dr. Engineer Sileshi Bekele said that all the efforts will be invested to finalize the construction of the Dam within four years.
“We started it to finish and we will! It has never been delayed for a day though not performed according to the plan. Our people will repeat the unity demonstrated on the Battle Adwa to complete the Dam as they have vowed when they started,” he lauded.
“Available resources will be utilized without compromising quality, efficiency and effectiveness. Ethiopians all over the world are already mobilized to fund the GERD. Even they have not stopped funding it through the bond purchasing.”
Similarly, he noted that all the causes of the delays are identified and will be critically acted on. The construction was delayed due to electromechanical works and change in design to increase its generation capacity. “The delay is not unique to GERD but many international grand projects have passed through many delays as well.”
The Lower Nile Basin countries have been discussing on technicality of the Dam for the mutual benefits of their nations and final scientific study was made.
“Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia agreed for further scientific studies. Each of us assigned three of our known scientists and they have made a collaborative study. Ethiopia and Sudan signed in Addis while the Egypt representative decided to sign after discussing it at home.” He noted.
The 6.45 giga watts dam launched in April 2011and initially expected to be completed in 2017 will be completed in 2022 to be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa and the 7th in the world.
Herald December 14/2018
BY DIRRIBA TESHOME
