Youth benefiting from GERD’s fishery – report

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2024 (FBC) – Numerous Ethiopian youths involved in fishing operations at the Grand Ethiopia Renaissance Dam (GERD) are reportedly reaping the rewards of the artificial lake’s fish reserves.

Given the multifaceted impact of the GERD on the Ethiopian economy, the man-made reservoir resulting from three rounds of dam filling has proven advantageous for the youth primarily engaged in fisheries.

Consequently, approximately 70 islands were formed during the construction of the Renaissance Dam situated on the Abbay River.

One of the young individuals, Itman Mohammed, residing in Guba at the construction site of the GERD in the Benishangul Gumuz region, highlighted that the Renaissance Dam is proving advantageous for the youth in the realm of fisheries.

As per Itman’s account, fishing activities at the GERD have evolved into a source of income for organized youth groups like his own.

Employing a motorized boat, nets, and hooks, the young man stated, “We are now able to harvest up to two quintals of fish daily and distribute our yield to the market.”

Describing his recent fishing experience at the GERD, Itman disclosed that the collectively constructed dam has significantly benefited numerous youths, including himself.

Similarly, Almaw Dessalgn, a young resident from Arba Minch city in southern Ethiopia, expressed that he is exchanging experiences with the Benishangul Gumuz Youth Associations involved in fisheries at the reservoir of the Grand Renaissance Dam.

Almaw emphasized the abundant fish resources available at the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Birhanu Itecha, the Animal and Fishery Head of the Benishangul Gumuz Agriculture Bureau, mentioned that the region has harvested 1,310 tons of fish in the past seven months, with a target set at 1,800 tons for the current Ethiopian fiscal year.

Primarily, the significant fish production has been sourced from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, as highlighted by the head.

Birhanu emphasized that prioritizing the involvement of organized youth associations is crucial to unlocking the untapped fisheries potential of the Benishangul Gumuz region, per ENA.

The 13th anniversary of the laying of the foundation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is set to be commemorated at the end of this month with the theme: “Together We Made It Possible.”

This milestone symbolizes the solidarity and unity demonstrated by the Ethiopian people and government over the past 13 years to successfully construct this monumental hydropower dam.