GERD stands as one of the most advanced hydropower projects of the 21st century, designed and constructed with the highest scientific and engineering standards available today. Every aspect of its design has been meticulously developed, considering all necessary safety parameters to ensure its structural integrity and operational reliability. The dam’s construction has been under the constant supervision and rigorous monitoring of highly qualified engineers and experts, ensuring that every phase meets global safety and quality benchmarks.

With an investment of $5 billion, Ethiopia has prioritized not just power generation but also safety, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. GERD is built to last, utilizing cutting-edge construction methodologies and the latest advancements in dam engineering. It is a project of resilience, innovation, and shared growth.

Despite this, concerns have been raised about its safety—particularly from Egypt. It is worth noting that the Aswan High Dam, situated upstream of Cairo, was constructed over 60 years ago. Since then, engineering knowledge, safety regulations, and construction technologies have advanced tremendously. If a dam built with mid-20th-century technology has served its purpose effectively for decades, imagine how much safer and more efficient GERD is, given the remarkable advancements in engineering over the past six decades.

GERD is not just Ethiopia’s achievement—it is a symbol of regional collaboration and progress. It offers a sustainable solution to the energy needs of millions, fostering economic growth and stability across the region. This is a win-win project for all of us.

Let us move forward with optimism, embracing the benefits of GERD together. The future is brighter when we stand united, recognizing that shared prosperity is the key to lasting peace and development.

A Call for Cooperation and Sustainable Development

Now that GERD is a reality, it is time for all Nile River riparian countries to shift their focus toward the collective responsibility of preserving and protecting the basin’s natural resources. The era of division and unfounded opposition must give way to a new chapter of collaboration, where science, innovation, and shared commitment define our approach to water management. Ethiopia’s rightful efforts to meet its energy demands can no longer be undermined. Progress must be acknowledged, and cooperation must take precedence over confrontation.

Instead of conflict and distrust, we must embrace sustainable solutions that benefit all. Scientific watershed management, water-saving innovations, and efficient resource utilization should be our common goals. The path forward lies not in dispute but in constructive dialogue—where knowledge is shared, ecosystems are restored, and solutions are built together. Efforts such as spring restorations, afforestation, and soil conservation must be expanded, ensuring that the Nile remains a lifeline for future generations.

The challenges of population growth and natural resource depletion are real, but so are the opportunities to address them through unity and innovation. Let us replace hostility with mutual understanding, resistance with cooperation, and uncertainty with a shared vision for a sustainable and prosperous future. GERD is a testament to what is possible when ambition meets determination—now, let it also be a symbol of regional partnership and lasting peace.

You can reach the writer via sisaytekaalem@gmail.com