From the very moment the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) kicked off, Ethiopians at home and abroad has been devotedly playing a part in contributing their share with the intention of making the colossal dam see the light of day.
In this day and age, the dam has turned out to be a unifying power that plays a huge role in bringing the people of Ethiopia residing in the length and breadth of the world skiestogether. Though a lot has been said following the laying of the cornerstone for the dam, the country has been realizing its dreams against all odds and bringing about the envisioned target.
The flagship’s project’s ability to provide uninterrupted supply of electricity holds tremendous potential in attracting foreign investment for the most part in producing capital intensive industries. The existence of credible power infrastructure can meaningfully boost the attraction of the Nile Basin region for international investors who seek balanced energy sources to sustain their business operations.
In point of fact, motivated by a strong sense of willpower and commitment to their motherland, Ethiopians from all walks of life have enthusiastically unified their role in pressing forward the project, which is the pride of all Ethiopians. On account of the determination of the government the whole loton the topic of the colossal dam is heading in the right direction igniting a sense of unity and harmony among the people of Ethiopia.
It is common knowledge that since the laying of the cornerstone for the construction of the dam Ethiopia has passed through many ups and downs as well as twists and turns.
For the sake of truth, Egypt has never attempted to solve its problem related to Nile peacefully with Ethiopia or any other upper basin nations. Rather it strived to fulfill its interest destabilizing Ethiopia. Since ancient times the issue of the Nile and Ethiopia have been means of solutions to the problems of internal politics in Egypt. In a similar way, today’s government of Egypt is politicizing the Nile issue and attempting to cover the face of its people by instigating “water war” against Ethiopia, according to sources.
In the face of oppositions brought by downstream nations, Ethiopia keeps its nose to the grindstone in its pledge to the dam. More often than not these nations make reference to colonial-era pacts that dictate the sharing of water resources from the Nile River utilizing as a basis for their antagonism.
Apart from supplying electric power for the country, the dam can provide power to neighboring nations in the Nile Basin. This concerted energy exchange arrangement can promote closer cross-border relationships, encourage shared reliance, and play a part in inclusive progress in the region.
In the face of discordances coming from the downstream nations under the veil of the colonial agreements on the water share of the River Nile, Ethiopia managed to turn the historical injustice through the launching of the torchbearer project.
In spite of the fact that Ethiopia around the clock jumped through hoops with the purpose of making the international community conversant with the fact that the dam connects millions of Ethiopians to the power grid without making any significant harm happen, the downstream nations had been baffling the worldwide community with cock and bull stories.
Egypt must work hard to reduce wastage of water by evaporation from the dams, artificial lakes, canals and other related aspects built in the extreme desert aiming at sustaining vague “historic right” than scientific methods and appropriate water management principles.
In a previous interview with local media Aregawi Berhe (PhD) said the construction of the dam has manifested the country’s desire to connect the region through electricity and its belief in mutual growth.
The Director-General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of GERD stated that the mega dam was designed in the way to embrace Ethiopia’s neighbors. What’s more, the dam is expected to contribute a great share for Ethiopia’s regional economic integration vision by generating electricity without disrupting the water share of the Nile low riparian countries.
Once the dam is fully operational, neighboring nations will access electricity at fair price and the situation will transform the region to cooperation and address suspicion. GERD is a game changer project and the people of Ethiopia have built the dam without any foreign support.
In actual fact, the project should be considered as a symbol of regional economic integration in addition to its contribution to Ethiopia’s socio-economic development. In this regard, much is expected from scholars and universities to work together in a coordinated manner to the realization of national goals, according to an article.
“The dam plays a very significant role in smoothing the path of economic regional integration in the midst of the Nile Basin nations. One of the key features of the dam is its potential to greatly boost the hydroelectric power generating capacity in the region at the earliest possible juncture.”
By putting the power of the flagship project to use, Ethiopia can provide a significant increase to the attainability of electricity possibly modifying the energy curve of the Nile Basin nations. The collective efforts needed to plan, construct, and preserve such a colossal flagship project helps in developing enhanced connections among these nations.
In a similar vein, the dam functions as a stepping stone for dialogue and harmonization allowing them to act in concert towards a shared objective of considerable growth and broader prosperity. In addition to holding the potential to stimulate economic development, the project plays a huge role in attracting foreign investments making smoother industrial development and creating employment opportunities.
The existence of the dam can attract overseas investments to make possible industrial growth and encourage job creation. This economic expansion can give rise to enhanced standards of living for the local populace and provide opportunities for alleviation of poverty. Besides its electricity generation and economic advantageous, the game changer project plays a very significant role in environmental sustainability and plummeting greenhouse gas secretions backing up climate change alleviation endeavors and fostering a climate friendly future.
BY ADDISALEM MULAT
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD TUESDAY 18 JUNE 2024
