Ethiopia's mega dam on the Nile 'now complete': PM

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is considered Africa's largest hydroelectric project. Photo: Amanuel SILESHI / AFP/File
Source: AFP

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed connected Thursday said a multi-billion-dollar mega-dam connected the Blue Nile that has agelong disquieted neighbouring countries is implicit and volition beryllium officially inaugurated successful September.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), launched successful 2011 with a $4-billion budget, is considered Africa's largest hydroelectric project, stretching 1.8 kilometres (just implicit 1 mile) wide and 145 metres (475 feet) high.

Speaking successful parliament, Abiy said Gerd "is present complete, and we are preparing for its authoritative inauguration".

Addis Ababa has deemed the dam captious for its electrification programme but it has agelong been a root of tensions with downstream nations Egypt and Sudan who interest it volition impact their h2o supply.

"To our neighbours downstream -- Egypt and Sudan -- our connection is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity," helium added.

"The energy and improvement it volition make basal to uplift not conscionable Ethiopia," Abiy said.

Ethiopia archetypal began generating energy astatine the project, located successful the northwest of the state astir 30 km from the borderline with Sudan, successful February 2022.

At afloat capableness the immense dam can clasp arsenic overmuch arsenic 74 cardinal cubic metres of h2o and could make much than 5,000 megawatts of power.

Source: AFP