ETHIOPIA ABN; Ethiopians from all walks of life are saying that GERD is “Our Dam”. What is your impression on this current Motto ? Prof.Brook; The Dam which is entirely financed by the government and people of Ethiopia is a source of pride for all Ethiopians. This massive project when it is soon realized would propel Ethiopia out of poverty. GERD will play a decisive role in making Ethiopia become a middle-income country. The $5 Billion Dollar Dam, when completed will be the largest hydropower project in Africa and generating 6,000 MW doubling Ethiopia’s demand / need as well as allow it to export electricity to neighboring countries including Egypt and Sudan earning hard currency. The motto ‘It’s my Dam’ is very timely, appropriate, meaningful reflecting the justified feelings and aspirations of millions of Ethiopians.
54
Abyssinia Business Nework // ABN
ABN; How do you describe Egypt’s fluctuating stand on GERD? Prof.Brook; Egyptians stand on GERD is bizarre, baffling and not sincere at most. They refer to an outdated unjust one-sided colonial era 1929 and 1959 agreements to which Ethiopia was not a party. This approach and stand of Egypt trying to impose their will and the attitude ‘my way or the highway’ is unacceptable and will not work on Ethiopia. Applying pressure on Ethiopia to stop GERD is interfering in Ethiopia’s sovereignty, its right to use its resource for socioeconomic development purposes lifting its people from abject poverty. The solution for Egypt is they should return to the Comprehensive Frame Work Agreement process (CFA) and negotiate in good faith with Ethiopia and the other Nile riparian states.
The $5 Billion Dollar Dam ልዩ እትም 2012 Special Edition of GERD 2020
