Ethiopia's Grand Dam: 15,000 Lives Lost, Water Concerns Unresolved
The construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been marred by tragedy, with reports suggesting at least 15,000 lives lost over 14 years. Meanwhile, Egypt and Sudan express concerns about their water supplies, while Ethiopia maintains its stance on the dam's necessity.
The dam's construction, primarily funded through domestic contributions including government bonds and public servant donations, has been fraught with peril. Prominent figures like Simegnew Bekele, the former GERD chief project manager, died under unclear circumstances during this period. Ethiopia's Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa has neither confirmed nor denied the death toll claims.
Ethiopia, relying on the dam for energy and food security, dismisses downstream countries' concerns. It adheres to the 2015 Declaration of Principles, despite the contentious 1959 Nile Waters Treaty excluding Egypt. The dam's total cost nears $5 billion (€4.2 billion), with Ethiopia financing it independently due to geopolitical sensitivities.
The GERD's construction, despite its human and financial costs, proceeds with Ethiopia's determination. Egypt and Sudan's water supply concerns remain unaddressed, potentially leading to further tension in the region.
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