- GERD to begin electricity generation
The Ethiopian Minister of Water, Irrigation and Energy, Dr Sileshi Bekele, has stated that the controversial Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will begin electricity generation in the first few months of the Ethiopian new year.
Bekele stated that the construction works have intensified despite several challenges. He added that the government is working towards commencing electricity generation using the two turbines at the dam. He reiterated the importance of the dam to the economic growth and development in Ethiopia. However, the GERD has been controversial, with Egypt and Sudan challenging its construction on the River Nile.
The Ethiopian new year starts on 11 September.