Addis Ababa, July 2, 2021(Walta) – Carrying out the second filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) keeping the set schedule in this rainy season is significantly useful in helping Ethiopia boosting socio-economic development, reducing external and internal burdens as well as safeguarding its national interests, so stated scholars.
Arba Minch University Water Technology Deputy Director Demelash Wondimagegn (Ph.D.) told local media that the second filling of GERD would add value to the overall development of the country as well as to the effort exerted to raise hydropower.
According to the Deputy Director, increasing dam height and increasing power are directly proportional and can play a vital role in generating reliable power.
“When we confidently fill our dam, Ethiopia would have a firm economic stance, reduce political pressure, and be relieved from yelling on GERD. To end this, every citizen should understand that they are responsible for common interests, and damming Abay (Nile) is a matter of life and death.
Arba Minch University Water Technology Director-General Abdela Kemal (Ph.D.) on his part said: “The second filling of the GERD means increasing the level of water storage and Ethiopia can start generating energy. Therefore, the second filling of GERD has played an indispensable role in generating hydropower using the two turbines for the time being.”
According to the Director-General, the second filling would also play a part in reducing the burden of the nation. It means that the situation would help the country buttress diplomacy and increase political influence.
He further added that the two turbines will generate over 700 megawatts combined as of August and provide the nation with additional power. In so doing, Ethiopia has been consuming 4,200 megawatts up to 4,400-megawatt power. Since there is a lack of hydropower at present, over 50 million citizens do not have access to electricity.
(Source – The Ethiopian Herald)