President Extends Whishes on 10th Anniversary of GERD Commencement (April 2, 2021)

President Sahle-Work Zewde has extended best wishes to Ethiopian on the 10^th anniversary of the commencement of the Grand Renaissance Dam (GERD).

“We have achieved first round filling of GERD after overcoming ups and downs and we are well prepared for second filling”, the president said.

“Our waters are among the major natural resources Ethiopia have been endowed with, and are pillars of our development endeavors” she said, adding the River Abay and its tributaries are immense potentials for ongoing economic reform of the nation.

She said that Ethiopia failed to utilize the water resources of River Abay and its other natural resources for economic purpose for many years due to limited capabilities and regional and international circumstances, according to the president.

River Abay contributes 2/3 of Ethiopia’s surface waters, Sahle-Work said, adding that it is a matter of survival and sovereignty to develop basins of the River Abay.

GERD is historic property of Ethiopia’s which they have been building by sharing their wealth, time, labor and knowledge, saying that the dam is foundation stone to overcome poverty and transform lives of citizens, the president added.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen also congratulated Ethiopians over the commencement of the GERD.