Addis Ababa, 17 September 2014 (WIC) – “The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has confirmed to us that the blood of our gallant patriots that was spilled to protect and shield our country from foreign invasion was not all in vain”, was the consensus held during the recent visit of members of ‘Ethiopian Patriots Association’ to the construction site of GERD.
The patriots have also conveyed their happiness for the fact that witnessing the project with their own bare eyes is a whole another prospect compared to seeing or hearing about it from the media.
Representing the visiting band, the association’s President Lij Daniel Jote Mesfin stated the prides and respects the members of the association felt during their visit, and suggested that the project can add extra value by serving as habitat for fishes and other animals, and as a recreational spot.
Government Communications Affair Office State Minister Ewenetu Blata on his part commended the visiting patriots for their strength and the perseverance they showed during their visit, and believed that the homage they paid to the site could serve as a motivation for those involved in the project and for the whole people of Ethiopia.
He also underlined the need to learn from their glittering patriotic past and exploits, and their strength.
Citing that war can also be manifested in the battle to develop one’s country, the State minister concluded his remark by stressing that the present generation should repeat the history of its patriot fathers by breaking free its country from poverty and backwardness.
Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation on the Construction of Grand Renaissance Dam Media and Communication Director, Fekadu Ketema
underscored the visiting patriots should be thanked for visiting a project that has captured every Ethiopian’s attention and hearts.
The Director used the occasion to call on every Ethiopians to continue with their support for the project, so as GERD could see completion within its schedule.
It was learned that the Tourism and Culture Ministry is on the move to make the GERD a tourist attraction and destination.(EH)