Nile
Belligerence is Diffidence: Modus vivendi is Confidence
Basazin Fenta Ayele
I and my father
used to go to the confluence of Lake Tana and Abay every Sundays when I was a
boy. Our home was by the the river side. Its vicinity enabled us to frequent
the river for various purposes including swimming and bathing. Most
importantly, I could not forget the ethereal scenery I watched savoring every day
when I was a boy.
My father, who
was a primary school teacher by profession, was used to telling me various tales,
poems and stories related to the river. His explanation was so absorbing that I
will cherish all he had told me until death. According to him, his teachers had
taught him that Egypt and Sudan had constructed dams on the river which enabled
them to undertake various development activities including irrigation and
electrification.
He said Ethiopia
will one day construct a big dam on Abay, gallop on a track of development and soothe
the deep-rooted angst of generations. To date, I could remember his narration was
fetched from deep understanding of geography and history.
Fortunately,
my brother has become a truck driver who is discharging his responsibility at
the project site of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). He took a short
leave to come to Addis Ababa for medication purpose. The piece of mobile photo
and video he had taken at the site has enabled me to grasp snap shot of
activities in the Abay valley. The buzz of activities I had watched was so
mesmerizing that it it left me riveted until the abrupt end of the film.
Magical
humming and awesome roaring is resonating across the border of Ethiopia
adjoining Sudan, breaking the insurmountable tranquility reigned over the area
since The Creation. Restless trucks, loaders, excavators and other types of
construction machineries are chugging, whirring and splashing mercilessly.
They are
persistently gnawing away at the Abbay valley of the Guba area in Benishangul
Gumuz State. Here, resolute men, women and sturdy machineries are ergonomically
integrated under the sweltering sky. All have aimed to excavate weighty stones of
poverty and erect long-awaited Dam of prosperity.
Nile is the
longest river in the world (though least discharge compared to rivers like
Amazon and Mississippi) with its basin covering 1.3 million square miles. The
river has inter-woven ten riparian states including Ethiopia, Sudan, Egypt,
Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, DR Congo, Rwanda, Burundi, and Eritrea. Ethiopia,
Sudan and Egypt are very much crucial than the remaining seven from the vantage
point of Nile water hydrology, Nile water issues, cooperation and prevention of
potential conflict(though unlikely and unreasonable).
Viewed from
geographic reference, according to Geographer from Addis Ababa University ,
Desalegn Aylele , Ethiopia is endowed with mountainous topography that traps more
rainfall (compared to its neighbors) carried by mainly trade winds originating from
Atlantic Ocean (kiremet rain fall) and easterlies blowing from Indian Ocean (belg
rain fall).
He said Blue
Nile is the first-born of Ethiopia which feeds 86 percent of the Nile water
flowing to Egypt. Some 56 percent of the water is carried by Blue Nile originating
from Lake Tana, 14 percent via Baro/Akobo/Sobat and the remaining
viaTekeze/Atbara.
According to
him, Abay stretches 900 kms from Lake Tana to Khartoum. The river has eleven
major tributaries of which two join Abay in Khartoum. Contrary to Nile, which
has more or less constant water volume, Abay experiences seasonal fluctuation
in which surge of flood occurs. (The name Blue Nile is coined from muddy water
that rapidly runs down from Ethiopian high lands).
All along its
upper course in Ethiopia, erosion occurs because of mountainous nature of the
country and mighty rivers flowing down steep slopes. Especially, a river like
Abay has a serious of rapids and falls in its upper course and deep gorges
curved out through its journey.
According to
studies conducted so far, Abay has untapped potential for generating 172
billion KW. This capacity is far greater than the joint national production of Egypt
and Sudan. Hence, the question that popped most is ‘’why can’t Ethiopia fully harness
these bonanza of natural resources and utilize it for electrification and
irrigation purposes?
The most
convincing answer to this question is because of protracted war and instability
that plagued the country for many hundred years (war fermented at home or
incited by aggressive foreign elements), lack of technical knowhow and finance
in the previous years.
The country
has got relative peace and stability in the past two decades following the
advent of Constitutional order and the demise of oppressive Derg regime through
fierce struggle. This internal peace has ushered in speedy development. This development
in turn has demanded insatiable utilization of domestic resources like hydro
power potential.
Taking in to
consideration Ethiopia’s resolute stand to build dams and boost
electrification projects, New African: May, 2013 issue stated that Ethiopia is
a possible model for DR Congo’s hydroelectric development.
The Magazine
stressed that the Late Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had been driving forward the
scheme to electrify the nation and allow the export of thousands of megawatts
to neighbors including Egypt, Kenya and both Sudans. The country has eight dams
with substantial capacities, such as the 420 MW Gilgel Gibe II and 460 MW Beles
schemes and the GERD with 6, 000 MW.
New African
noted that further hydro projects are under active consideration in the
country. It said ‘’ DR Congo government is too weak ‘’ to deliver, a complete
contrast to the Ethiopian government which has managed to get 20 dams working
because it is an absolute priority.’’
Earlier the
country has harnessed some of its rivers like TisAbay (close to BahirDar town),
Gilgel Gibe, Tekezze and Tana Beles. The effort to construct more dams and
generate as much electro-dollars as possible is continuing tirelessly. To this
end, various feasibility studies are also being conducted on rivers throughout
the country. Currently, vast electrification activity could be witnessed by
the construction of Gilgel Gibe-III with over 1870 MW (next to the GERD). Its construction
is well underway and expected to be finalized within two years.
Damming Abay
and harnessing it to development has been undying quest and enthusiasm of
generations for many hundred years. The epiphany comes to respond to this
national zeal when the late PM Meles Zenaw (angels rest his soul safely) laid
the foundation of the GERD on April 3/2011. People across the country have
acclaimed this water shed time in Ethiopian history. The Project has a capacity
to generate 6,000 MW when finalized, which some experts equaled it with six
medium nuclear reactors.
Craving to its
finalization up on scheduled time, thousands of citizens are toiling day and
night. People are encouraging activities by contributing their own financial
and technical assistance. In this regard, 23 percent of the construction cost had
so far been covered by contribution from the greater public.
In line with
this, while discussing with Ethiopian Diaspora in Canada, Ethiopian Electric and
Power Corporation Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mihret Debebe, said that
demand for electric power in the national level is expected to increase by 32
percent in the coming five years. Hence, various far-sighted projects are being
carried out across the country to meet this bulky demand; the GERD is among
these projects.
The CEO
further explained that 24 percent of the construction of the Dam had been
finalized so far. He said strenuous efforts are being exerted to finalize 26 percent
of the project at the end of this year. Parallel to this, electric power
transmission line installation and other mechanical activities are being
undertaken.
Similarly, speaking
on Nile-related symposium, scholar from Ethiopian Water Resource Institute, Dr.
Yilma Sileshi said, once operational, the GERD could generate 2,000,000 Euros
every day for 100 years, without reducing its capacity (though pessimists and
some Doubting Thomas guys said it is pie in the sky and too-far-fetched).
He said the Dam
could generate countless benefits at home and abroad. For instance, service
longevity of Aswan and various dams in Sudan will be enhanced by 100 years.
Some 1,000 km of land in Sudan will also be safeguarded from seasonal floods
(natural disaster that is used to devastating various Sudanese villages).
According to
him, the project could boost the power generation capacity of Sudanese dams by
2657 MW. It will also prevent sedimentation in Egypt and Sudan, and reduce cost
of clearing it. In this regard, as to the scholar, the project could save Sudan
from expenditure of 15-20 million US dollars that may otherwise be spent to
clear sedimentation.
Moreover, he
stressed that water reservoirs and and dams could be built in Ethiopian high
lands and cooler areas. This by itself could alleviate evaporation problems
compared to Aswan dam which is evaporating huge amount of water per annum and
wasting the scarcest resource. For instance, storing water in the valleys near Lake
Tana of Ethiopia could save 4 billion m3 of water.
Ethiopia has
successfully diverted the course of the river to lay the foundation on solid
bedrock (one of the indispensable phases for dam construction) on May 28, 2013.
Obviously, the diversion is part of indefatigable effort to finalize construction
on time. However, it triggered a wave of protest in Egypt, annoyed President Muhammed
Mursi’s government and affiliate parties (bon voyage to Mursi who disappeared
from limelight due to untimely coup d’état and turmoil since then). Some called
it storm in the tea cup for Egypt is gripped with its own burning issue.
Despite very
much quirky it sounds, the deposed president, Egyptian brothers and sisters
were publicly conspiring against the interest of Ethiopia. These ridiculous and
garrulous parties were gabbling ill-bred rhetoric oblivious of live television
coverage.
Most
observers assume no other country has ever made such a terrible faux pas on the
security and sovereignty of another country (without a granule of remorse of
course). Politicians said Egypt should regret this gravest error and ask for
pardon when it gets through its national chaos and become constitutional. Pity
callous Egypt!!
Former UN
Atomic Agency Head, Muhamed Elbaradai, according to AP, has gone way ahead of all
politicians to understand the Faustian debate conducted by Mursi and other
Egyptian parties. AP reported that Elbaradai had earnestly begged Mursi to ask
pardon from Ethiopia. In fact, Ethiopians believe that Egypt will one day go
rueful, beg Ethiopia for its forgiveness and strive for cooperation (may be
when its political turmoil settles desirably).
Like father
like son. No surprise, the current headstrong attitude of Egyptians towards Nile
has descended from their inadvertent and truculent leaders like Anwar Sadat. He
had once impertinently bragged that ‘’any activity that jeopardize the flow of
Nile may lead to war and face stiff resistance from Egypt.’’
It is worth
remembering that Ethiopia has defeated the ambitious Egyptian army interested
to control the source of Blue Nile more than 16 times since 1830s .The
defeat forced Egypt to change its policy towards Ethiopia (subtly
manipulate subversive activities, in a clandestine manner and with impunity).
This’’ I win
if you lose kind of zero-sum game’’ has been wrongly mingled with the ‘’national
pride and patriotism ’’ of all Egyptians. They are used to enjoying the
lavishing fruits of Nile while Ethiopians (in fact other Nile riparian
countries too) are tempted with empty plates (though this unsavory situation is
being improved in Ethiopia with time and formidable food security effort).
The
"reason” of Egypt to selfishly act towards the equitable use of Nile is based
on ‘’prior use, Egypt is the gift of the Nile: no Nile no Egypt, Ethiopia has
sufficient rain fall and various alternatives’’, etc, which is all irrational
and gratuitous.
The major cause
of ‘’problem’’ posing ‘’disagreement’’ between Nile basin countries is linked
with unjustifiable utilization of Nile water. Needless to say, Ethiopia
contributes the most significant amount of Nile water (86 %). This undeniable
reality of Ethiopia has raised noticeable question of justice. The utilization
of Nile water is not founded on justifiable accord or conscientious judgment as
Egypt and Sudan are using nearly all of the water, contributing little or nothing.
The problem
arising on Nile Basin has been exacerbated by intransigence and illogical
disregard of Egypt. Accordingly, Egypt has chosen to adhere to defunct colonial
treaties and make them as binding as possible; the brazen agreements signed in
1929 and 1959. These agreements had irresponsibly allocated 55.5 and
18.5 billion m3 of Nile waters to only Egypt
and Sudan respectively. However, the upper riparian countries have quashed the
treaties one way or another.
Egypt, when it
comes to equitable utilization of Nile water, is used to employing
disingenuous mechanism of buying time or refusing discussions. A case in point,
it does not sign the nascent Nile Basin Initiative (NBI) initiated by Ethiopia.
( NBI is expected to abrogate obsolete treaties enhance justifiable Nile water
allocation and strengthen regional integration through regional mega projects.)
Despite this Nile
curse and imbroglio created by Egypt, Brahama Chellaney in his recent book,
Water, Peace and War: Confronting the Global Water Crisis, stated that there is
nothing about water wars that is figurative these days; the people in the
developing countries are primarily engaged in waging ferocious fights against
poverty and are struggling for survival; the situation in Darfur could the best
example.
Chellaney,
accordingly, calls for transparency, collaboration, and sharing across borders
with a view to resolving problems that may arise on water scarcity and
inequitable allocation of the stuff. According to him, international
initiatives forged by riparian countries should be truly functional as a means
of alleviating problems arising from lack of collaboration and reluctance.
By the same
token, speaking on a conference organized to discuss’’ Hydropower for
Sustainable Development’’, Amb. David H. Shin said these obsolete treaties
resulted in a virtual Sudanese and Egyptian monopoly of Nile water. Both
countries did not invite Ethiopia (indeed other upper riparian countries too)
to join negotiations nor did they consult with it.
He said Ethiopia
has officially informed Egypt and other riparian countries earlier in 1956 and
1957 that it reserved its right to use Nile water for the benefit of its
people. Ethiopia also expressed concern that Sudan and Egypt were making
decisions about water that largely originated in Ethiopia.
According to
him, the 1959 agreement and others prior to it lacked provision for amendment,
duration and mechanism for solving differences. Legal rights to Nile Basin,
like other river basins, are politically controversial, legally obscure and
emotionally volatile. Hence, the issue requires careful attention by the
concerned parties and the international community to ensure that conflict does
not break out.
The
Renaissance Dam is for hydro power generation, not for irrigation. It will be
filled gradually; He said Ethiopian Ministry of Water and Energy estimates it
will take five to six years to fill the reservoir behind the Dam. This will be
done over a long period of time in order to minimize the annual reduction of
water reaching Egypt and Sudan while it is being filled. Once the the reservoir
is full, the impact on Sudan and Egypt is expected to be minimal.
Because its
purpose is hydro power, water will continue flowing through the Dam. There will
be some evaporation from the reservoir, but because of the higher altitude, and
cooler temperature prevailing at the location of the Dam, the effect will be less
than if the Dam had been built in Egypt or Sudan.
The Amb.said
while in this part of the world anything is possible, the possibility of the
Dam spurring war over water is highly unlikely. To the best of my knowledge, he
said, there has never been a major war anywhere exclusively over water. I do
not expect this to happen in the case of the construction of the Renaissance Dam
except occasional, excessively flamboyant rhetoric.
He sated he believes
the former president of Egypt, Anwar Sadat was the first to suggest the
possibility of war with Ethiopia over Nile water. Most recently, Egyptian
opposition figure Hamdeen Sababahi and sheik Abdel –Akher Hammad of
al-Gamaal Islamiya had stroked these fires.
Hamdeen said
Egypt could close the Suez Canal to countries China and Italy, which are
helping Ethiopia with the construction of the Dam. Up on learning that Ethiopia
had began to divert the Nile during the construction process, he said ‘’ we are
ready to fight and we will embark on it with all our strength to defend our
honor.’’
Amb. Shin has
stressed that these kinds of uninformed comments are not helpful. Fortunately,
senior Egyptian government officials are more reasoned in their public remarks.
Egypt’s Minister of Irrigation and Water Resources Mohamed Bahaa Eddin
recently commented that Cairo is not opposed to the construction of the Dam so
long as it does not impair Egypt’s interests. He added that the Dam is a
regional project designed to benefit Sudan and Egypt, in addition to Ethiopia.
I do not
believe the Egyptian government ever lost of the sight of the importance of the
Nile water issue, the Amb. said. A political solution is the only solution to
the problem. The issue could not be solved militarily. Science can make
positive contribution by introducing more effective measures for the use of
Nile water resources.
As to him, the
easiest solutions are the technical ones, .i.e. those projects that protect
Nile Basin, more efficient use of Nile water in existing irrigation projects, avoidance
of massive new projects that inefficiently use large quantities of water,
especially for irrigation.
Eventually,
however, there must be a political agreement involving all of the riparian states
that permits equitable sharing of Nile water while acknowledging that Ethiopia
is the source of more than 86 percent of Nile water (95 percent in rainy
seasons), has legitimate development right on Nile and Egypt is about 95
percent dependent on Nile water for all of its fresh water needs.
According to
Prof. Kinfe: 2007, Egypt’s Foreign Affairs Minister stated that Egypt in
principle accepts peaceful and diplomatic means to resolve any problem that could
reduce the flow of Nile. However, Egyptian military officials do not have any
trust in diplomacy and international pressure. Hence, they believe that they
should showcase their military might and support the stand of their government.
He said,
however, ‘’if deemed necessary, Egypt has a policy to take military action on its
potential enemies’’. As a result, incase anything encroaches on the interest of
Egypt including Nile water, military intervention on upper riparian countries
is considered as a cost-effective option (ignorant of the terrible backfire on Egypt).
This kind of self-professed
military might, the scholar said, and conflict could not lead to cooperation
and equitable utilization of Nile water. Rather it could sow seeds of distrust
and suspicion between the Nile Basin countries as it does until this century.
Despite the
impasse created by Egypt, according to Prof. Kinfe : 2007, upper riparian
countries have definitely declared their stand on the issue of Nile. He stressed
that these countries like Ethiopia have indubitably stated that they could not
surrender to Egypt’s belligerent modus operandi any more.
The colonial
treaties signed by the facilitation of Britain have hindered riparian countries
from exploiting their natural resources. Hence, they have publicly out cried that
they will no more conform to those time-torn colonial rules.
According to
him, Ethiopia has underlined the issue of Nile as a fundamental issue to its
relation with Egypt. By all accounts, Ethiopia has exposed and discredited the
customary attempt of Egypt impeding Ethiopia from harnessing Nile for
development. Ethiopia understands the fact that establishment of fruitful ties
between the two countries starts from recognizing the previous water treaties as
meritless and non-workable to all riparian countries.
The scholar
has advised that handling the matter in a diplomatic manner and in a spirit of
cooperation is advantageous. Citizens and the government of Ethiopia understand
that acceptable treaty and cooperation on Nile is a must. i.e. Ethiopia and
other riparian countries have attached prime attention to equitable utilization.
Similarly, Dr.
Yakob Arsano, Scholar in AAU, supports this idea saying that war over water is disadvantageous.
This kind of conflict is unprecedented in history. Construction of the GERD has
taken in to account the benefit of other riparian countries. Moreover, the
impact assessment conducted by team of experts has dispelled allegations of
significant impact on the lower riparian countries. Hence, Egypt could not blame
and indict Ethiopia because of major impact.
He said the
ill-conceived effort of Egypt to prohibit the realization of the project is
deplorable. Rhetoric to prevent other countries from utilizing the water has
become unacceptable and irrational in this era. As to him, this kind of
approach to the problem could not achieve the desired result for it has no support.
Egyptian
suspicion over the use of Nile has begun since long long ago. However, he said there
is nothing new on the issue of Nile. Egyptians have ample information and know
the construction process inside out. In spite of this very fact, Egyptian
politicians have embroiled themselves in fruitless rhetoric.
They are
always in an abnormal obsession and unnecessary worry over the issue of Nile. Any
port in the storm. Currently, they are overplaying the issue due to the
unstable condition in Egypt and need to defuse anger and divert attention of
the people.
In addition, beside
threats and aggression, Egypt is using the World Bank, International Monetary
Fund and other financial institutions as its trump card to inhibit hydro
projects in Ethiopia. As agents of putting the squeeze on the interest of
Ethiopia and impeding its development, Egyptian citizens assigned in higher
positions like UN were also Trojan horses of this heinous act.
Following
Egyptian conspiracy against the GERD, Ugandan President, Yuweri Museveni, had
forwarded his criticism that Egyptian officials should refrain from their
hubris. He said that no African is interested to inflict damage on Egypt.
Likewise, Egypt should no more continue wringing Nile advantage from the hands
of black Africans.
He acrimoniously
lambasted Egypt that it should not repeat the errors committed by its former
leaders. Museveni capitalized on the fact that upper basin countries could not
condone Egypt’s wrong act and threats any longer. He noted that time has
changed since African emancipation from colonization. The President has also
warned Egypt that Uganda will stand by the side of Ethiopia if Egypt commits
any harmful act beyond rhetoric.
Similarly,
Egyptian General, Muhamed Ali Bilal , while briefing a station called AlArabia
on May 29, 2013 said the belligerent and bigotry attitude of Egypt has been
eroded with time. He said any harmful act on the the Dam may cause a problem at
an international level and it is impossible. According to him, any act of
provocation may lead to conflict with foreign countries like China and Israel
whose nationals are participating in the construction, where Egypt has no power
to resist any backlash from these countries.
Bilal said
international agreement has been reached on the fact that Ethiopia could build
the Dam. He said America has assisted in the formulation of construction design
and Israel is providing technical assistance. According to him, diplomatic means
of resolving the problem should be taken as a primary means to break the
deadlock. However, no matter how floundering the case appears, he suggested
submitting the case to the International Court (while ostrich Egypt has not a
shred of evidence and legal ground to halt the project being undertaken by
innocent and robust Ethiopia).
Al-Ahram, weekly
news paper of Egypt, had also published that the current situation in Ethiopia
related to Egypt is positive and friendly. In this regard, Ethiopian mass media
is presenting daily news related to Egypt. Ethiopian officials are also interested
to resolve problems peacefully. They are expressing cordial wish to Egypt that it
may soon ride out of its chaos and resolve problems in a civil manner, the
paper stressed.
It also said that
Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister, Tewodros Adhanom is interested to negotiate
with Egypt and resolve existing problems peacefully. It said that the minister is
willing to hold discussion on problems without the facilitation of any other
third party.
Cognizant of
the importance of peace and stability, Al-Ahram stated, PM Haile-Mariam
Dessalegn has said that Ethiopia will provide unreserved assistance to
strengthen peace and stability in Egypt. According to him, any instability in
Egypt may pose instability to the region and the continent as a whole. Hence,
it pays to support efforts of peace and stability in Egypt.
According to the
news paper, Haile-Mariam said Egypt is among countries that has a special place
in Africa. It had played significant roles in Africa earlier and it should
resume this constrictive role. Ethiopia believes Egypt will soon overcome its problems
become constitutional and reemerge as one of the best actors of Africa.
No matter how
challenging internal and external problems are, Ethiopian history is emblazoned
with friendly neighborhood unlike Egypt’s enmity modus operandi. As witnessed
by history, Ethiopians raise their arms only when an aggressor
comes to violate their sovereignty and intrude in to their territory.
Earlier,
Ethiopia not only defeated colonizers like Italy and became the beacon of
freedom to black people all over the world but also it boldly participated in
various peace-keeping missions requested by the United Nations (UN). In this
regard, it had sent its gallant troops known as Kagnaw Battalion to North Korea
in 1950s. The troops were so daring and disciplined that nobody was
missed and captured unlike troops of other countries.
These days, as
part of Ethiopia’s unflinching effort to peace, Ethiopian army is participating
in various peace keeping missions across Africa, be it in Liberia, Rwanda or
recently in Somalia. All missions are concrete evidences testified by UN that
Ethiopia is interested to further peace and stability in Africa and establish
peaceful co-existence between all countries.
Peaceful-co-existence,
cooperation and mutual benefit is the centerpiece of Ethiopia’s foreign policy.
Based on this cornerstone, Ethiopia is striving to build peaceful co-existence
and friendly relation with all countries including Egypt. Accordingly, Ethiopia
is consciously observing activities going on in Egypt. It believes unceasing
turmoil in Egypt may negatively influence situations on the horn of Africa and
the world.
Ethiopia and
Egypt have started historical relation from time immemorial. This has been
witnessed by people to people and trade relation of the two countries during the
heyday of Axumit civilization in Ethiopia and its Pharaonic counterpart in
Egypt. Ethiopia believes that the time has come for both countries to resolve their
feud over Nile, rejuvenate their historical relation and make Nile source of
regional integration.
Let bygones be
bygones. Egyptian politicians should change their stubborn stand towards the
project and further cooperation to enhance mutual benefit of the two countries.
They should not become blind to the truth that the Renaissance Dam is being
built only for the purpose of power generation.
Its national
goal is eradication of poverty through large sale electrification project used
for domestic consumption and export purposes as well. Accordingly, causing
significant impact on lower Nile riparian countries, as ruled out by the team
of experts, is not its aim having Ethiopian peaceful co-existence policy at
hand.
Ethiopia is
stressing on the issue that Nile could not be bone of contention. Besides,
practical lessons learnt from other countries that share trans-boundary rivers
showcases that war over river basins is unlikely. On account of this, Nile
Basin countries should solve their problem peacefully.
In this
regard, nation is adamantly capitalizing on the importance of cooperation and
negotiation. It is stating that modus vivendi is the way out of Nile impasse.
Egypt should understand the fact that Ethiopia and its people are on the road
to Damascus and nothing could hinder this journey.
Enhancing its
commitment as a driving force, Ethiopia will unflinchingly continue to exerting
strenuous effort to finalize GERD and other projects. It will leave no stone
unturned, faute de mieux, to mitigate poverty and change its defaming history. It
is firmly defying all obstacles of anti-Ethiopia forces at home and abroad to
finalize its projects and realize poverty alleviation dream.
The
construction of the Dam is well under progress. Parallel to enhancing economic
development, finalization of the project is thought to absolutely change the
geo-politics and hydro-politics balance of the region in favor of Ethiopia
(breaking hostile attitude of rivals thickened and entrenched for centuries).
Our father had
passed away some years ago before the commencement of the Dam. He would have
been ecstatic were he had been alive to see the project. However, his anger on
lack of power to harness Abay has now been eased. This vibrant and emerging
nation is constructing a big Dam over Abay.
My brother is
contributing his own to the project. I saw him dutifully shuttling between the
construction site and Addis Ababa. He knows it is time to live duty-bound life
and discharge his responsibility properly. He believes he is lucky to leave
his legacy in the immortal statue being erected by the country. Once he had
told me that he and his work-mates are exerting an all out effort seeing light
at the end of the tunnel.
Contact:
voyager9999@gmail.com
