(3 Minutes Read)
The project has raised concerns from neighbouring Egypt and Sudan over the potential reduction of water levels downstream. But Ethiopia insists that the towering dam will not only benefit its more than 100 million people, but also its neighbours. It is also an opportunity for Ethiopia to become Africa’s leading electricity exporter.
Ethiopia’s controversial Grand Renaissance Dam, is being inaugurated today 14 years after construction commenced, as many Ethiopians are looking forward to finally getting connected to the national electricity grid.
The project’s construction began in 2011 with a USD 4 billion budget. With its 1,800 metres long and 175 metres high, expected to produce more than 5,000 megawatts, doubling Ethiopia’s current output, part of which will be exported to neighbouring countries. The country insists it is a crucial development to help pull many of its citizens out of poverty.
The project has raised concerns from neighbouring Egypt and Sudan over the potential reduction of water levels downstream. But Ethiopia insists that the towering dam will not only benefit its more than 100 million people, but also its neighbours. It is also an opportunity for Ethiopia to become Africa’s leading electricity exporter.
Read Also:
Despite the formation of a joint panel to discuss the sharing of the Blue Nile water, tensions remain high , and some, like Egypt, have termed the move a security risk, since it could lead to drought downstream.
