The Abbay Hydro Dam – the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) that has been under construction for about thirteen years is a monumental project for Ethiopians and their source of pride. Located in the Benishangul-Gumuz State, east of the border of Sudan, the Dam is the largest hydroelectric plant in Africa which will have crucial significance in strengthening cooperation and regional integration in addition to generating power and lessening the burden of energy shortage at national level.
The construction of the Dam faced many challenges. The project was also met with skepticism and criticism from various entities. However, despite these obstacles, Ethiopians have joined their hands and continued to push forward to the construction of the Dam with a vision of not only benefiting from the hydroelectric power but also from regional economic integration.
Ethiopian engineers and workers supported by international partners have overcome various challenges in the construction process, including diplomatic complexities. What is more, the technological advancement witnessed during the construction of the Dam is one peculiar aspect of the project. The various cutting-edge technology and engineering expertise applied to construct the Dam proves nation`s dedication to realize one of the greatest Dam in the world.
The construction of the Dam has mobilized almost all sections of the society. Every Ethiopian has left his/her fingerprint to its success. This is in the form of direct financial support, actively engaging in public diplomacy and participating in labor intensive activities such as irrigation and soil preservation activities.
Within the last thirteen years, the project has been a source of pride and unity for many Ethiopians and Ethiopia lovers, who see it as a way to bring economic prosperity and cultivate a sense of “I can do” mentality. After thirteen years of construction, GERD stands as a symbol of Ethiopian ingenuity, determination and unity; all Ethiopians are still actively participating to see the final stage of the dam which is to be finalized soon.
Melaku Demessew, is among those Ethiopians who have been unceasingly contributing his share for the successful accomplishment of the Dam. This reporter had a chance to meet Melaku who happened to be at the exhibition that was organized by the Office of National Coordination for the Construction of the Dam. When asked his feelings about the past thirteen years that witnessed ups and downs while constructing the Dam, he said that GERD is an emblem of every Ethiopian. For this reason, the hurdles and the success witnessed within the past thirteen years are obvious for it is a mega project. Within the past thirteen years, the country has seen both political and economic challenges and transformation. However, none of them had halted the construction of the Dam. This reflects how Ethiopians are committed to realize their vision.
Regarding his reflection and expectation about the completion of the Dam, Melkau said, the completion of the GERD marks a significant milestone for Ethiopia and the continent as a whole. It is a testament to other African countries that what can be achieved when people come together to work towards a common goal.
According to him, Ethiopia had once been among those great ancient nations that had a great influence in the region. This is because of the fact that it had strong leaders and its people had common goals. In this regard, the Dam represents a new era of progress and prosperity for this generation and signals to other African countries the power of unity to achieve common goals. “GERD is a testament to what can be achieved when a nation comes together to work towards a common goal. The Dam represents a new era of progress and prosperity for Ethiopia, and serves as an example of what we can accomplish with determination, hard work and perseverance.”
According to Melaku, the Dam is now at the verge of its final stage. And the pledge he made to support the project will keep its pace by all means till he witnesses its final stage.
Indeed, starting from the day the cornerstone of the Dam was laid; Ethiopians have been showing unreserved effort for the successful accomplishment of the Dam. This spirit is still intact. The Office of the National Coordination for the Construction of the Dam, Public Relations and Communication Director, Hailu Abrham, told The Ethiopian Herald that Ethiopians have been displaying their commitment and perseverance to the successful accomplishment of the Dam starting from the project was launched thirteen years ago.
“The public have been showing unwavering support over the last years in the form of direct contribution of money, buying bonds, participating fund raising programs or in other means. This support is not limited to only Ethiopians living in the country. The Diaspora community also partakes actively in all the support.” Within the past 13 years a total of over 19 Billion Birr was collected from the public through various means. According to him, the Dam has mobilized almost all sections of the society. The Diaspora community, students, farmers and other members of the society were aggressively supporting the Dam. Those who could not directly contribute money have shown their commitment by engaging in labor intensive activities. This is especially true for farmers and pastoralists who actively participated in irrigation and other related activities.
Public diplomacy is the other area of unreserved effort towards the successful accomplishment of the dam was seen. According to the Director, various diplomatic teams that had been established by the Ethiopian diplomatic delegation have their own contribution for the successful accomplishment of the Dam. Beside the diplomatic team, the whole Ethiopians were ambassadors to their country. This is especially true for the Diaspora community who played a significant role in promoting Ethiopia`s agenda towards the Dam in the form of peaceful demonstration and standing guard to the interest of Ethiopia.
According to Hailu, this public support to the Dam is still intact and the public is still showing an enthusiastic interest for its successful accomplishment. True, the commitment of Ethiopians to the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam over the past 13 years exemplifies their determination. The journey towards realizing this monumental project has been marked by challenges and triumphs, reflecting the spirit of unity and dedication that defined Ethiopia`s quest for progress and development.
Ethiopia`s commitment to the Dam has been tested by ongoing negotiations with downstream countries, including Egypt and Sudan. Through diplomatic channels and multilateral forums, Ethiopia has sought to address concerns, uphold its rights to utilize its water resources, and promote cooperation for their sustainable management of the river.
As the GERD stands as a symbol of hope and promise for the nation, Ethiopians remain steadfast in their commitment to utilize their water resources including the Abbay River to benefit the people of Ethiopia and ensure regional integration.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY 4 APRIL 2024
