Guba: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has surmounted numerous significant challenges to reach its present stage of completion, according to Project Manager Engineer Kifle Horo.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Engineer Kifle, in an exclusive interview, recounted the project’s arduous journey, highlighting engineering setbacks and management challenges. A major hurdle arose early in the project when a local contractor, inexperienced in hydropower plant construction, was assigned critical electromechanical work, causing delays.
Engineer Kifle emphasized the significant contributions from Ethiopians worldwide, both morally and financially. A pivotal moment arrived with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to the site shortly after assuming office, where he restructured the project’s leadership and replaced underperforming contractors. “He took decisive action. One is to restructure the project management, starting from the board, and to replace the inefficient subcontractors with qualified contractors. Taking this action, the project started to resume its pace,” Kifle noted.
The Ethiopian government’s strong determination, coupled with unwavering support from Ethiopians domestically and abroad, has revitalized the dam’s implementation. Kifle described the project as a symbol of sacrifice and dedication by the Ethiopian people, embodying their vital role in its completion.
Beyond electricity generation, GERD, Africa’s largest hydropower project, is expected to generate one billion USD in annual revenue. Additionally, it is set to significantly impact the regional energy market, with Ethiopia already exporting power to Sudan, Kenya, and Djibouti, thus promoting clean energy across East Africa.
Kifle further explained that the dam benefits downstream countries by stabilizing water flow to Sudan, reducing evaporation losses in Egypt, and potentially adding water to the Nile Basin. Today, Ethiopians celebrate the inauguration of GERD at the project site in Guba, marking a historic milestone for the nation’s largest hydroelectric project and a symbol of unity and national pride.