ADDIS ABABA- Some 1,712, 183,820.22 Birr was raised for the construction of Abbay Dam mega project during the just ended budget year, disclosed Office of National Coordination for the Construction of the Abbay dam.
Emphasizing that the contribution of Ethiopians and members of Ethiopian Diaspora worldwide is on rise, Office’s Public Relations and Media and Communication Director Hailu Abreham told the Ethiopian Press Agency (EPA) that the office mobilized the stated amount through various means.
He said from the 1.7 billion Birr, around 1.4 billion Birr was collected from local bond sale and grant, while 17.3million Birr gained from Diaspora bond sale and grant.
Moreover, the office raised over 132.5million Birr and 73.2million Birr from ‘8100’ SMS fundraising platform, and through the Ethiopian Electric Power Gift account respectively. In addition, around 362,150 Birr was gathered from PIN sale, as to him.
On the one hand, the Director indicated that the office has collected some 19,942,519,421.98 Birr for Abbay dam construction since the corner stone was laid till July 7, 2024.
Of which, 18,604,685,725.9 Birr was mobilized from local bond sale and grant, while 1,455,953,251.2Birr gathered from Diaspora bond sale and grant. Moreover, around 1,009,325,835.5 Birr were collected from different income generating means.
“Starting from the laying of the cornerstone till the end of this budget year, the office was able to raise around 19,942,519,421.98 Birr. It is a clear indication that that the dam is being built with concerted efforts of citizens.”
Thus, he urged all Ethiopians and Ethiopian nationals across the globe to continue the support till the construction of the dam is completed.
It is to be recalled that Ethiopia laid the cornerstone of the project in April 2011.
BY BETELHEM BEDLU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 26 JULY 2024
