South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
Ethiopians living in South Sudan gathered in Juba on Sunday to celebrate the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and the beginning of the Ethiopian New Year 2018.
The significant event was organised by the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba at the Palm African Hotel.
Last week, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Dr Abiy Ahmed Ali, announced the completion of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a major milestone for the country amid a dispute with Egypt over equitable sharing of water.
Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, which took 14 years to finish, demonstrates the country’s capacity for unity and collective effort.
The project is expected to ultimately produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, which is double Ethiopia’s current output and enough to make the East African nation of 120 million a net energy exporter.
The dam is located about 500 kilometers (311 miles) northwest of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
It is 1,800 meters long and 175 metres high and is backed by a reservoir that can hold up to 74 billion cubic metres of water, according to the main contractor.
The festive atmosphere was enhanced by the upcoming Ethiopian New Year 2018, which begins on 11 September in the Gregorian calendar.
Addressing the gathering in Juba on Sunday, Ms Zeyneba Ahmed, who represented the Chargé d’Affaires at the Ethiopian Embassy in Juba, said, “We celebrate the second of five special days, marking the day of diversity in honour of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and the upcoming Ethiopian New Year 2018.”
Ahmed described the celebration as a milestone that represents an immense source of national pride.
“The GERD reflects a transformative shift in how Ethiopia is perceived both locally and across the continent, serving as a modern emblem of national pride achieved through shared commitment.”
The inauguration of the GERD is scheduled for Tuesday, 9 September 2025.
Africa’s largest hydroelectric project marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s energy and economic future, with a total investment of 233 billion Birr.
The ambitious project has been financed by citizens of Ethiopia, with 23.8 billion Birr raised through bond purchases, including direct donations of 18.9 billion Birr from domestic bond purchases and 3.2 billion Birr from the Ethiopian diaspora.
