Addis Ababa, September 10, 2021(Walta) – The necessary preparations are underway to enable the two turbines of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) to generate electricity in the first months of the coming Ethiopian New year, according to the Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr. Sileshi Bekele.
The Minister said that Ethiopia has encountered various challenges in the negotiation process of GERD.
However, he stated that as the construction process of the dam has intensified amidst these challenges, the nation is now working to commence the generation of electricity in the first months of the Ethiopian New Year by using the two turbines of the dam.
Noting that Ethiopia has the full right to use its natural gifts, he said using natural resources for development is vital to defeating poverty in the country.
In this regard, GERD is a key instrument to tackle the development challenges in Ethiopia, the Minister added.