Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced today that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been completed and will be officially inaugurated this September. Speaking during the 42nd regular session of the House of Peoples’ Representatives, he stressed that “nothing can prevent the inauguration,” despite external pressures.
Addressing concerns from downstream countries, Abiy emphasized that the GERD is not a threat but a shared opportunity for regional growth. He reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to avoid harming neighbors. He also invited Egypt, Sudan, and other Nile Basin nations to join the inauguration.
Beyond the dam, Ethiopia’s infrastructure development continues rapidly, according to the PM. The national road network now spans 175,000 kilometres, with 300 projects valued at Birr 1.5 trillion approved this year. Over 11,000 kilometres of new roads are under construction, and more than 1,000 kilometres are slated for inauguration.
To address housing shortages, around 1 million homes have been built over five years, with over 265,000 more underway. Abiy also highlighted urban renewal in cities like Addis Ababa and Gondar, with over 20,000 new projects nationwide expected to be inaugurated by the end of August.
Source (including image): Fana BC