Addis ababa: Ethiopia has announced the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a major hydroelectric project on the Blue Nile, with preparations now underway for its official inauguration in September. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed during a regular session of parliament that construction for the GERD is finished, presenting it as a 'symbol of regional cooperation and mutual benefit.'

According to Anadolu Agency, the completion of the GERD marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia's decade-long venture to utilize the Nile River for domestic power generation and regional energy distribution. Once operational, the dam is expected to produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, positioning it as Africa's largest hydroelectric facility.

In response to concerns from downstream neighbors Egypt and Sudan regarding the dam's impact on water flow, Abiy emphasized that the project poses no threat. He stated, 'To our neighbors downstream-Egypt and Sudan-our message is clear: the Renaissance Dam is not a threat, but a shared opportunity,' and assured that 'Egypt's Aswan Dam has never lost a single liter of water due to the GERD.'

The Prime Minister reiterated Ethiopia's commitment to equitable water use and regional cooperation, extending an invitation to the governments and peoples of Egypt, Sudan, and other Nile Basin countries to join in commemorating the dam's completion.

Construction of the GERD began in 2011, with Ethiopia self-financing the majority of the $4.2 billion project. Over the years, it has been a focal point of diplomatic tension, especially between Ethiopia and Egypt, which fears that reduced water flows could impact its share of the Nile.

Despite several rounds of negotiations under the African Union and international mediation, the three countries have yet to reach a legally binding agreement on long-term water management.