Ethiopian Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister, Dr. Sileshi Bekele told a press conference today that Ethiopia has wholly rejected Egypt’s proposal on what could be guaranteed after the filling of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Ethiopia rejected the proposal at recent summit held in Cairo, Egypt, said the Minster adding the need to further negotiations.
The three nations- Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt will discuss the matter from 30 Sep- 3rd Oct. 2019.
After the dam filling, Egypt said it shall receive 45 billion meter cubic of water annually, and don’t want to see the height of Aswan Dam lower than 167 meters, demands Ethiopian rejected at their entirety, said the Minster.
According to the Minster, independent Science and Investigation Committee, which is drawn from three countries, will deal on the matter.
The 4billion USD worth dam that is being built on the Abay river few km away from Ethiopian boarder with Sudan in Benshangul Gumuz region is believed to help Ethiopia realize a dream of becoming a power house of East Africa, while Egypt voices its fear that its water share from the Nile will decline.
However, Ethiopia insists that the projects solely meant to development, and will not pose any significant harm to downstream countries- Egypt and Sudan.