First filling completion inspires Ethiopians to boost support for GERD: Office

Addis Ababa, August 13, 2020 (FBC) – The completion of the first filling of the GERD has inspired Ethiopians to boost their financial and political support for the dam, said office of the dam.

The Ethiopia government announced the completion of the first-year filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) last month.

According to Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction GERD, contribution to the dam has increased following the successful achievement of the first-year filling.

Hailu Abrham, public relations and media communication director at the office said the people have made a contribution of more than 100 million birr in a short period of time.

Ethiopians at home and abroad have so far contributed 13 billion birr for the dam which was launched nine years ago. Ethiopian diaspora alone made $46.7 million contribution.

According to him, the financial support, coupled with the political one, helped the dam to reach to its current level.

Hailu said more than 200 Ethiopians are also working in Arabic languages to aware the Middle East countries about Ethiopia’s stance regarding the dam.

Early this month, Ethiopians at home and abroad voiced their support to the GERD at various events held under the theme, “Our Voice for Our Dam”.