Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD): More Than Power Generation A Symbol of Unity and Resilience
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has done more than just generate electric power it has inspired Ethiopians like never before, strengthening their unity and collective spirit.
In a joint press statement, Dr. Aregawi Berhe, Director General of the GERD Coordination Project Office, and Deputy Director W/o Fikerte Tamir, emphasized that GERD has significantly contributed to fostering unity among Ethiopians and has become a symbol of national pride and solidarity.
In a joint press briefing to local media, Dr. Aregawi Berhe, Director General of the GERD Coordination Project Office, and Deputy Director W/o Fikerte Tamir, highlighted the dam’s broader significance beyond electricity generation. “GERD has deeply inspired Ethiopians, strengthening unity and patriotism across generations. It is a historic achievement a modern-day Adwa,” said Dr. Aregawi.
The officials emphasized that the dam’s construction reflects unprecedented collaboration among Ethiopians from all walks of life. Built through domestic funding without foreign loans, GERD is seen as a testament to Ethiopia’s ability to mobilize internal resources for transformative national development.
Since its launch 14 years ago, the GERD project has cultivated a culture of savings and national ownership. According to the Coordination Office, over 23.6 billion birr has been raised from various sources, including:
20.1 billion birr from domestic bond sales and public donations
1.6 billion birr from the Ethiopian diaspora
1.7 billion birr from other national revenue streams
The officials described the project as a “new covenant of unity” that shattered the mentality of dependency, promoted national pride, and reinforced a spirit of victory. They noted that GERD has significantly contributed to reshaping Ethiopia’s image and boosting civic morale.
During the press briefing, journalists raised questions about the U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent controversial remarks distorting the purpose and intent of the GERD. In response, Dr. Aregawi confirmed that the Ethiopian government is “genuinely concerned” about Trump’s statement. However, he noted that the government has opted for a diplomatic approach. “Ethiopia believes in resolving international misunderstandings through dialogue, not confrontation,” Dr. Aregawi stated.
With civil works nearly completed, technical teams are now focusing on final-stage activities for full commissioning. Once operational at full capacity, GERD is expected to generate over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, transforming Ethiopia into a regional power hub and boosting economic growth.
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, located on the Nile River in Benishangul-Gumuz region, has long been a symbol of Ethiopia’s ambition for sustainable development and regional leadership.
