Ethiopia has officially announced the completion of its Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a project that began in 2011 and has faced significant regional tension. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that the dam is an opportunity, not a threat, to neighboring Egypt and Sudan, both of which heavily rely on the Nile for water. The mega-dam, the largest hydro-electric undertaking in Africa, aims to address Ethiopia's critical energy needs, as about 60% of its populace lack electricity. Despite reassurances of collaborative progress from Abiy, previous negotiations have failed to assuage concerns from Egypt and Sudan regarding water supply disruption. The dam is over a mile long and stands 145 meters tall, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia's push for energy self-sufficiency.
Ethiopia Completes Construction of Controversial Nile Dam: PM Assures Neighbors
Ethiopia Completes Construction of Controversial Nile Dam: PM Assures Neighbors
Ethiopia celebrates the completion of its massive Blue Nile dam, as tensions rise with Egypt and Sudan over water rights.
Ethiopia's prominent energy project, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, completed amid tensions with Egypt and Sudan. Prime Minister seeks collaboration.
Ethiopia has officially completed the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a significant hydro-electric initiative that has been in the works since 2011. This dam, which boasts the status of the largest hydro-electric plant in Africa, is viewed with both pride and concern by neighboring countries. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that the dam serves as a shared opportunity rather than a threat to Egypt and Sudan, who depend heavily on the Nile for their water resources. This construction is vital for Ethiopia, as 60% of its population lacks access to electricity, making this dam a crucial component in meeting the nation's energy needs. In light of the dam's completion, which stands impressive at over a mile long and 145 meters tall, Abiy stated that he remains open to constructive dialogue with both nations, although previous talks have yet to yield significant agreements. The situation remains delicate with both Egypt and Sudan expressing fear that the dam could diminish their water supplies, potentially leading to agricultural loss.
Ethiopia has officially completed the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a significant hydro-electric initiative that has been in the works since 2011. This dam, which boasts the status of the largest hydro-electric plant in Africa, is viewed with both pride and concern by neighboring countries. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared that the dam serves as a shared opportunity rather than a threat to Egypt and Sudan, who depend heavily on the Nile for their water resources. This construction is vital for Ethiopia, as 60% of its population lacks access to electricity, making this dam a crucial component in meeting the nation's energy needs. In light of the dam's completion, which stands impressive at over a mile long and 145 meters tall, Abiy stated that he remains open to constructive dialogue with both nations, although previous talks have yet to yield significant agreements. The situation remains delicate with both Egypt and Sudan expressing fear that the dam could diminish their water supplies, potentially leading to agricultural loss.
