Africa-Press – Ethiopia. This surge in power from GERD provides electricity to an estimated 35 million people, with the potential for Ethiopia to sell surplus energy to neighboring countries, strengthening regional relationships and fostering peace, CEO of Webuild Group, Pietro Salini said.
The inauguration ceremony of GERD, attended by dignitaries of neighboring countries marked the culmination of a 14-year journey to harness the the Abay River for the nation’s development.
GERD, Africa’s largest hydroelectric dam, was officially inaugurated today in a landmark event celebrating a project built by the contributions of millions of Ethiopians.
Speaking at the inauguration of GERD today, Pietro Salini, highlighting the immense effort and vision behind the project.
He first extended a congratulatory message from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali.
The dam, with its massive reservoir fully filled by now, is poised to triple the nation’s energy supply, with a generating capacity equivalent to three nuclear plants, the CEO stated.
This surge in power from GERD is set to provide electricity to an estimated 35 million people, with the potential for Ethiopia to sell surplus energy to neighboring countries, strengthening regional relationships and fostering peace, he elaborated.
Salini reflected on the long road to GERD’s completion, calling the dam’s success a “dream came true for me and for the nation.”
He spoke of the dam as a symbol of Ethiopian resilience, noting that the country undertook the project against all odds and without external financing.
He elaborated issues related to GERD: “No one wanted this country to build this project, No one wanted to finance it. Many political issues, too many problems, and no easy solutions.”
The CEO emphasized that the project was a testament to the Ethiopian people, who contributed to its funding by purchasing bonds.
He quoted the national mantra, “It was my dam,” and stated, “This is it. It is their dam.”
Salini also paid tribute to the workers, engineers, and technicians who made the project a reality.
Beyond the physical structure, Salini highlighted the significant capacity-building achieved.
He noted that over 25,000 young Ethiopians were trained on the job, acquiring valuable skills that will be essential for the country’s future.
Salini drew parallels between the dam and the nation’s character, comparing Ethiopians to their renowned long-distance runners who train at high altitudes to win.
He described the overwhelming psyche of Ethiopians” they do not bend or step back and renounce what they believe and want.”
Salini said the inauguration was just the beginning. “The future has only started today.”
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