Public Participation:
Cementing GERD By Aklile Tsige The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam /GERD/ is being undertaken by Ethiopians at home and the Diaspora in all corners of the globe; no financial assistance from international, continental and regional organizations. But it is all because of the strong conviction and commitment of its citizens that the mega project is nearing completion despite different pressure imposed by the downstream countries, USA and the European Union. Ethiopia has a long tradition in participation and consultation. Participants are all people in a society involved in political, economic, and social activities. The government is aware of the need to solicit proposals and suggestions from the public about policies, the Constitution, and development strategies to encourage communities to express their views and increase their sense of ownership and responsibility in the future of the country. Aklile Tsige, Editor-in-Chief of ABN sat with Aregawi Berhe (PHD), Director General of the Office of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation to the Construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam /GERD/ to discuss updates on continued public contributions to the National Flag Project.Aregawi, whowas attending his higher education at the Addis Ababa University before he became one of the founders of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), is currently in charge of the opposition Tigray Democratic Coalition Party. After a long period in exile, Aregawi returned home in 2018 following Prime Minister Abiy’s call for political dissidents who were living abroad, to come home and participate in peaceful political struggle. While he was in exile Aregawi has managed to earn his Master’s Degree in Politics of Development, and his PHD in Political Sociology. He has also been engaged in active political participation and related activities such as national inter-party dialogues, among others, since his return.Aregawi is now in charge of a renewed effort of sustaining the public support for the construction of GERD, a major project Ethiopia is building without external support. 28
Abyssinia Business Network // ABN
ልዩ እትም 2013 Special Edition of GERD 2021
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As an Ethiopian citizen I have bought bond; as Director General of the Office I am working hard day in day out to help achieve the objective of the office I am responsible for
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