GERD is symbol of pride for all Ethiopians, testament to their mindframe of optimism – GCS

Addis Ababa, April 1, 2024 (FBC) – Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD is symbol of pride for all Ethiopians and testament to their indomitable will, potential and perseverance, according to the FDRE Government Communication Service (GCS).

GCS issued a statement marking the thirteenth anniversary of the commencement of the construction of GERD, which started on April 2, 2011.

The construction of GERD, the flagship project of all Ethiopians, has entered its final stages. The dam has overcome a myriad of problems and plot pitfalls to achieve this success throughout these years, GCS reminded.

The nation is set to celebrate the occasion with the unifying motto “United, we did it!” This overarching theme aims to express gratitude to the Ethiopian people for their continuous and widespread participation in this landmark endeavor since its inception, the statement indicated.

“Despite facing significant external pressures and a massive international campaign to disrupt the project, Ethiopia has persevered, viewing the GERD as a manifestation of national pride and unity.”

The government has emphasized that the dam is being built solely to provide electricity for the Ethiopian people, without any intention to harm or negatively impact anyone else.

“Ethiopians from all walks of life – students, government workers, businessmen, pensioners, laborers, security forces, Ethiopians abroad, farmers, and more – have collectively contributed their personal funds, from daily wages to small incomes, towards the construction of the GERD. This project has become a unifying national effort, with Ethiopians even reducing wedding expenses or donating in memory of deceased loved ones, making the GERD a public victory akin to the historic Adwa victory, the statement underlined.

According to GCS, energy supply is a global concern, with renewable energy generation receiving widespread international support. Yet, despite facing significant external pressures, Ethiopians have come together in unity to realize the GERD project, demonstrating their determination and collective effort to address their energy needs through this nationally-backed endeavor.

“The success of the GERD project has shown the peoples’ ability to independently initiate and complete major projects, with Ethiopians collectively contributing over 18.5 billion birr so far.”

Accordingly, the 13th anniversary of the dam’s construction will be dedicated to honoring all Ethiopians who have contributed at every level, as the GERD project is a symbol of the nation’s can-do spirit, collective efforts, and shared victory that represents the spirit of possibility for all Ethiopians, the statement asserted.