Both lighting Africa and stimulating regional integration are simultaneously worked out following Ethiopia’s firm commitment on hydropower development. Born to Ethiopians’ brain and grew up in Guba, BenihagulGumuz state, Ethiopia, a 13-year old child of the nation, the Abbay Dam, is strongly believed to be a feasible means to well foster and cement intercontinental friendship apart from compensating its source, Ethiopia, in all circumstances.
Abbay River has started paying off the nation since its inception as a 6450MW is going to be produced to electrify the entire nation, and other African countries are going to be provided with hydropower.
Interestingly, dark days are at the verge of being seen off for good, ominous scenes will be substituted by bright light and dawn of hope following the construction of the Dam. Not only does this bold move help almost 65% of the population, who have been leading life in sullen epoch, garner electricity and breathe a sigh of relief but is also of paramount importance in reinvigorating regional integration and continental amalgamation.
The experience gained from the construction of the Dam would also enable the nation to sketch possible and plausible path to get other water resources well exploited thereby confidently backing the economic growth across the nation.
This Dam can be regarded as the ever greatest Dam. The country has thus passed through a range of ups and downs to reach at the level it is found right now. Interestingly enough, the Dam is being constructed using own capacity and financial horizon. The country is working hard to light Africa, indeed! The project is significantly useful in fostering the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as it is one of the flagship projects of the African Union (AU) Agenda 2063.
It is well recognized that the AfCFTA is the world’s largest free trade area bringing together the 55 countries of the African Union (AU) and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to create a single market for the continent. The Damwould undoubtedly be instrumental in enabling the free flow of goods and services across the continent and boosting the trading position of Africa in the global market. In so doing, Ethiopia has been well acknowledged and given due credit in this regard.
Upon completion, the Abbay Dam can generate constant electricity via hydropower scheme, and the resource is renewable one. Unquestionably, hydro power can be stored or diverted and is one of the most eco-friendly means of producing power. One of the major advantages of this Dam is its eco-friendly features. The Dam helps reduce emissions of greenhouse gasses like carbondioxide for this Dam uses a renewable resource. It also serves as a recreational hub as it comprises over 70 recreational centers around.
Ethiopia has been committed more than any time else to exploit its water resources and reap the bounties it has been endowed with since it has been aspiring for growth and prosperity.
Damming the Abbay River is thence a clear manifestation of Ethiopians’ long-lasting cooperation, unity and determination since ranging from a woman engaged in a menial street vending to high profile investors have been contributing a lot to the effort geared towards getting the country prospered through this mega project.
In sum, every Ethiopian has to continue contributing what is expected of them to the Dam construction as they did earlier up until the Dam is fully accomplished. Yes, the close to 95 per cent accomplishment of this momentous step has never come out of the blue as all citizens have relentlessly been working to make Ethiopia’s vision a success. Bearing in mind that Ethiopia has never had, will never have, any intention to harm downstream riparian countries,every African state has thus to be by the side of this innocent and great nation to grow together.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 2 APRIL 2024
