PM chairs meeting on GERD

Addis Ababa, May 11, 2020 (FBC) –Higher government officials met and held today discussions on reports tabled by the technical committee of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Dr Seleshi Bekele, Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, presented the reports at the meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr Abiy Ahmed, according to EBC report.

Dr Seleshi on the occasion said the overall progress of GERD project has reached 73%, while civil engineering works are now at 87%.

The Minister indicated that filling of the dam will begin next July.

Ethiopia is preparing an appropriate response to the letter which Egypt had submitted to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) complaining Ethiopia’s plan to fill the dam, he added.

The discussions following the presentation focused on the outlook and benefits of the dam to downstream riparian countries and Ethiopia’s commitment to fair and equitable use of Nile waters.

“Ethiopia aspires to grow and the foundation of this growth is our economic development anchored in utilisation of our natural endowments,” the Premier said.

“A symbol of Ethiopia’s and Africa’s progress, we remain committed to fair and equitable usage of Nile waters for the shared economic benefits of Ethiopia and downstream riparian countries,” he added.

GERD is under construction in the Benishangul-Gumuz regional state. It is expected to be completed in 2023.

The people and government of Ethiopia are funding the project, which will not only serve Ethiopia, but also Sudan and Egypt as well.