GERD reaches significant stage to start generating power: officials

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2020 (FBC) –Ethiopia has provided a briefing to Addis Ababa-based ambassadors of Asia-Pacific and the Middle East countries on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

The briefing was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in close collaboration with the Ministry of Water, Irrigation and Energy (MWIE).

The main objective of the briefing is to acquaint the ambassadors with the latest developments on the dam and negotiations held between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt thus far.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Gedu Andargachew, and Engineer Gedion Assefa from MWIE told the ambassadors that Ethiopians have been funding the project since its commencement.

The project, which will not only serve Ethiopia, but also the region and the African continent, has now reached a significant phase to start generating power, they said.

Ethiopia has been building the dam in the spirit of cooperation, fair share and in a sense of not causing significant harms to others, the Ethiopian officials said.

The officials also gave detailed explanation on the tripartite talks held between the three countries since the start of the dam.

They further assured the ambassadors of Ethiopia’s commitment to resolve issues that have not yet been agreed upon in the talk scheduled to take place in the future.

The ambassadors on the occasion expressed their hope that the difference between the three countries regarding the dam will be resolved through dialogue.

The overall progress of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project has now reached 73% and the country plans to begin filling the dam next July.