In coincidence with the 7th anniversary of the commencement of the construction of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD, the newly elected chairperson of Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), Dr. Abiy Ahmed was sworn in as Prime Minister in the presence of former premier Hailemariam Dessalgne, MPs, senior government officials and military officers as well as the diplomatic corps.
During the 7th anniversary of the commencement celebration at Guba, Benshagul-Gumze State, it was also noted that over 65 percent of work on GERD has finished and fellow citizens from all walks of life have so far pledged to buy bonds worth over 12 billion Birr, of which over ten billion Birr has been collected. Plus, members of Ethiopia diaspora community have so far bought worth of 1.3 billion Birr bonds. By the same token, GERD Trophy has managed to collect over 1.3 billion Birr touring all over the country.
Moreover, regardless of political view, economic status, sex and age, Ethiopians have once again renewed their commitments to finalize the construction of this largest dam in Africa.
Without any doubts, the general public would continue to give unreserved support for GERD and so the dam would be a reality very soon.
For sure, upon the completion of the GERD, Ethiopia would be a hub of renewable electric power in Africa. This is because, the nation’s power generating capacity would be over 10,000 Mega Watts.
No one denies the fact that GERD has boosted the can -do- spirit of Ethiopia more than ever. That is why from all corners of the country every fellow citizen is proudly saying: “We are the only ones who determine the future of our beloved nation.”
In fact, GERD has vanquished the wrong widely held views of some irresponsible Egyptian politicians who used to say ‘Taking drip of water from the Nile waters by any Nile Basin countries is tantamount to a declaration of war against Egypt.’
Apart from threatening riparian countries using the aforesaid statement, these individuals had left no stone unturned in making legitimate the unfair and outdated colonial treaties over the Nile River and blocking Ethiopia from securing international loans in a bid to build GERD.
Apparently, GERD has also been playing a big role in strengthening regional integration. Respecting international laws, Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan have been working together to beneficially use the Nile waters. These three countries are now striving to make the Nile River base of mutual growth and development.
Locally, GERD has created strong national consensus among Ethiopians. Presently, all Ethiopians living inside and abroad are doing every thing in their capacity to see the completion of this most anticipated project in a very near future.
Right now, over ten thousands Ethiopian workers are sweating blood as the construction of GERD is being carried out round the clock. Thanks to these hard working fellow citizens, GERD is well under way and the nation undoubtedly will soon realize its renaissance.
To make poverty a past history, such grand project is crucial as it hastens the ongoing efforts of nation to replace agriculture led-economy by industry one in the shortest time possible.
In sum, yesterday’s peaceful transition of power and GERD have proved once again to the world that Ethiopia is the land of can do people. Sooner or later, Ethiopia will definitely reclaim its can-do-spirit with economy. Ethiopia will regain its past glorious times by defeating poverty through hard work and viable economic policy. Fighting any odds, it will also remain to be an oasis of peace and security.
Truly, the colourful marking of the 7th anniversary of the launch of the construction of GERD, clearly indicates that realization of Ethiopian Renaissance is getting nearer and nearer than ever before. Hence, having fully fulfilled the required responsibilities, the current generation has to leave his/her fingerprints on GERD.