The Office of National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of the Grand Renaissance Dam said that it has collected over 10 billion Birr from the public since the beginning of the construction of the Dam.
The Office further stated that it has collected over 55 million Birr during the third round ‘ GERD Bond Week’ carried out from 19th of March to 26th , 2018.
Community Mobilization Directorate Director Representative in the Office Habtamu Negash told The Ethiopian Herald that the Office has enabled to collect 55 million Birr as of 24 March in the 200 temporary bond stations. He said adding that 92 of these were organized in Addis Ababa.
According to him, the motivation and participation of the society to realize the construction of the Dam was a miracle and have a sense of belongingness. He further stressed “The concern given by the society to the issue is amazing as the number of people actively contributing to the Dam is increasing year after year.”
The Representative also added that Bond Week was launched across all states and in the two city administrations at the same time by similar schedule except in Benishangul Gumuz and Gambella.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a project that all Ethiopians are putting their fingerprints to realize it under united spirit, he said.
Roman Getachew, a resident of Addis Ababa whom this reporter approached at Arada sub city woreda 10 while purchasing the GERD Bond at one of the temporary bond stations stated that GERD is a symbol of pride and unity for all Ethiopians. “And that is why everyone puts special attention to.”
She further explained that she bought a bond worth of 50, 000 Birr since the inception of the Dam.
Mentioning the fact that the Dam has a meaning beyond economic benefits, she urged for greater commitment and sense of ownership until the construction is successfully completed
The Great Run will be conducted in April, 2018 in all states and the two city administrations in commemoration of laying the foundation for the construction of the GERD and in parallel to raise funds, It is learnt.