Ethiopia Inaugurates Africa's Largest Dam Amid Regional Concerns
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is expected to produce more than 5,000 megawatts, doubling Ethiopia's current output and potentially becoming a major electricity exporter in Africa.
Fanuse Adete, a 38-year-old widowed mother of seven from Addis Ababa, anticipates that the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will significantly improve her living conditions.
Currently relying on kerosene lamps and charcoal for lighting, she believes the dam's electricity will transform her life and that of her community.
The GERD, inaugurated on Tuesday, is set to produce over 5,000 megawatts, doubling Ethiopia’s current electricity output, with plans to export part of it to neighboring countries.
The dam's construction since 2011 has raised significant concerns among Egypt and Sudan, who fear a reduction in downstream water levels.
These tensions persist despite the establishment of a joint panel to discuss water sharing on the Blue Nile.
Egypt views this development as a security risk that could lead to droughts downstream.
In response, Ethiopia insists that while it aims to benefit its population of over 100 million, it also seeks cooperation with neighbors for mutual growth and investment in more projects across the Nile Basin countries.
Water experts from Egypt claim that the dam has decreased water supplies, forcing them to implement short-term measures such as reducing consumption and recycling irrigation water.
The High Dam in Egypt is used as a reserve to mitigate these losses but is not considered a long-term solution.
Sudanese experts note that seasonal flooding has been reduced during the dam’s filling phase but warn against uncoordinated releases potentially causing sudden floods or extended droughts.
Ethiopian Water Minister Habtamu Itefa counters by stating that water levels downstream have actually increased three to four-fold during dry months, benefiting Egypt and Sudan.
He emphasizes this as a positive development for irrigation lands in the region.
Yacob Arsano, who teaches hydro politics at Addis Ababa University, highlights Ethiopia's careful planning to ensure consistent water flow downstream.
For Ethiopians, the dam represents an opportunity for increased electricity supply, enhancing national development and daily life quality.
Amakelech Debalke Gebre-Giorgis, a mother of two in Addis Ababa, looks forward to seeing more development and electricity integrated into everyday life across the nation.
Currently relying on kerosene lamps and charcoal for lighting, she believes the dam's electricity will transform her life and that of her community.
The GERD, inaugurated on Tuesday, is set to produce over 5,000 megawatts, doubling Ethiopia’s current electricity output, with plans to export part of it to neighboring countries.
The dam's construction since 2011 has raised significant concerns among Egypt and Sudan, who fear a reduction in downstream water levels.
These tensions persist despite the establishment of a joint panel to discuss water sharing on the Blue Nile.
Egypt views this development as a security risk that could lead to droughts downstream.
In response, Ethiopia insists that while it aims to benefit its population of over 100 million, it also seeks cooperation with neighbors for mutual growth and investment in more projects across the Nile Basin countries.
Water experts from Egypt claim that the dam has decreased water supplies, forcing them to implement short-term measures such as reducing consumption and recycling irrigation water.
The High Dam in Egypt is used as a reserve to mitigate these losses but is not considered a long-term solution.
Sudanese experts note that seasonal flooding has been reduced during the dam’s filling phase but warn against uncoordinated releases potentially causing sudden floods or extended droughts.
Ethiopian Water Minister Habtamu Itefa counters by stating that water levels downstream have actually increased three to four-fold during dry months, benefiting Egypt and Sudan.
He emphasizes this as a positive development for irrigation lands in the region.
Yacob Arsano, who teaches hydro politics at Addis Ababa University, highlights Ethiopia's careful planning to ensure consistent water flow downstream.
For Ethiopians, the dam represents an opportunity for increased electricity supply, enhancing national development and daily life quality.
Amakelech Debalke Gebre-Giorgis, a mother of two in Addis Ababa, looks forward to seeing more development and electricity integrated into everyday life across the nation.
