Inhabitants of Addis Reaffirm Commitment to Support GERD Till Completion

Some inhabitants of Addis Ababa city told the Ethiopian News Agency that they will continue supporting the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) until its full completion. The construction of GERD has reached 95 percent, the Office of National Coordination for the Construction of the Dam disclosed on Wednesday. The dam whith its 13th year laying of the foundation to be commemorated at the end of this month, close to 19 billion Birr have been mobilized from public participation alone, it was indicated. The inhabitants of the capital believed that the Renaissance Dam is a key national hydropower project that would serve as a way out of poverty and common development. The residents also expressed joy over the construction of GERD that has reached 95 percent will create a great motivation to continue strengthening the support for the dam. One of the residents Megersa Yiyi told ENA that the current performance of the dam is a great encouragement to strengthen the support being carried out. 'We Ethiopians bo ught a billion Birr worth of bonds to the construction of the renaissance dam during the past consecutive years. Similarly, we have also bought bonds this year. Now we feel joy about the performance of the GERD, and we are motivated for the future support until its completion.' Another inhabitant Yasin Hussain said the Renaissance Dam is a symbol of Ethiopian unity and a project that gives Ethiopians hope for a brighter future. Yasin said the construction of the dam is now getting to an end without international support, adding that it is a lesson to Ethiopia can develop and execute other similar projects jointly. 'This dam is a symbol of our future hope that sheds light on our country. Not only this, but it is our project that has laid the foundation for national unity. All of us as a people have been involved in this dam. We are contributing everything we have to the dam,' he said. For Eleni Teshome, GERD is a critical national project and wealth to be bequeathed to the future generations, said. 'We ha ve contributed to the Renaissance Dam in our capacity. I myself participated in various fundraising campaigns for the dam and have bought bonds from my family. I have been also inspiring others to put their own fingerprint to finish this peoples' project. So we Ethiopian should realize that we do it for our children,' Eleni underscored. Moreover, the inhabitants stated that the dam is instrumental to save Ethiopia's water resources being wasted unfairly and bring about Ethiopians together in order to leave their legacy on this critical mega project. They are also convinced that the Grand Renaissance Dam will enable Ethiopians to hand over a prosperous country to the future generation. Source: Ethiopian News Agency