The fourth-round filling of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a game changer and driver of accelerated development for Ethiopia, said Blue Ocean strategy Practitioner Bhavesh Chandaria said.
In an exclusive interview with ENA, Chandaria said that this mega hydropower project would have a positive impact on many needy Ethiopians and Eastern African peoples eagerly awaiting the power generation at full capacity.
“Affordable electricity is a game changer and driver of accelerated development which is much needed for Ethiopia,” he underlined.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced early this morning that Ethiopia has concluded the fourth round of filling of the reservoir of the flagship project being built on the Abbay River.
During the past four years, sufficient volume of rainfall has been gained that facilitated the filling of the dam in four rounds.
In his congratulatory message, Prime Minister Abiy said that Ethiopia has achieved this round of water filling despite unprecedented domestic and external pressures.
“We had encountered internal challenges and external pressures. We have overcome all these and are able to arrive at this stage,” the premier pointed out.
The prime minister also congratulated all who have participated in the overall activities of the project by contributing money, time, labor and prayers.
In this respect, Chandaria who is the General Manager of Ethiopian Steel PLC, said that since Ethiopia and the entire African continent is gifted with an abundance of nature; such natural hydro sources like GERD will ensure sustainable development.
He urged Ethiopia to definitely harness its untapped potential, the immense hydro power and environmental friendly.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam would not cause significant harm on Egypt and Sudan, Chandaria thought.
GERD being built on the Abbay (Nile) River is the largest hydropower project in Africa started providing electricity to neighboring countries to accelerate the connectivity of the East African region with power.
To this end, Ethiopia has already started selling electricity to Djibouti, Sudan; and Kenya. Others will follow suit.
Chandaria believes beyond power generation, Ethiopia would also be able to create economic zones around the GERD area adding that “because there is enough supply of electricity which will act as a catalyst for the regional development closer to the people and market.”
Mikael Alemu, Founder and CEO of 10 Green Gigawatt for Ethiopia on his part said that the Grand Renaissance Dam has been becoming a very important project for Ethiopian economy.
Particularly, the economic importance of the dam would be profound as it doubles the country’s electricity generation, he said.
The CEO is also convicted that Ethiopia has great potential to be exporter of electricity.
This comparative advantage of Ethiopia “would be beneficial for the country to participate in regional power integration,” he underscored.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency