Addis Ababa, April 2, 2016 (WIC) – The performance of the execution of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) does not only manifest the success of the joint efforts of the public and the government but is also exemplary to the renaissance journey of the country, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonen said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation of GERD, Demeke Mekonen told ENA that the execution of the dam is successful.
The active involvement of the public as owners of the dam and the close supervision and management of the government have contributed immensely to the success registered, the deputy premier elaborated.
Demeke, who noted the consolidated support of the public to GERD, added that over 8 billion birr out of the pledged 12 billion birr is collected.
According to him, the Ethiopian Diasporas have contributed their share by purchasing bonds.
Since the construction the dam began five years ago, self reliance and the spirit of conquering the unconquerable have been consolidated among the people, the deputy prime minister stated.
The construction of GERD has also concretely proved that it is possible to plan gigantic projects and realize them, he pointed out.
The over 50 percent completed dam requires a total of 80 billion birr to completed.