00:00The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a source of pride and unity for Ethiopians.
00:05The $5 billion megastructure built in a tributary of the River Nile
00:09will meet the energy needs of the country's 120 million people.
00:13Currently, just under half have access to electricity.
00:17Previously, our daily lives relied on kerosene lamps and charcoal,
00:21which posed significant challenges.
00:23We would transport firewood to the market,
00:25selling it to buy kerosene and bread for our children.
00:28But with the completion of the dam, our entire community is now happy.
00:33The Reservoir of Africa's largest hydroelectric dam
00:36has flooded an area larger than Greater London.
00:39It should eventually produce 5,150 megawatts of electricity.
00:44But despite the fanfare, it's not been an easy road.
00:47The project, which began in 2011,
00:49faced strong pushback from downstream neighbours in the region, particularly Egypt.
00:5490% of Egypt's fresh water comes from the Nile
00:57and there are fears it could restrict its water supply during periods of drought.
01:01They also argue it violates water treaties dated back to the British colonial period.
01:06Ethiopia says the dam is a sovereign right.
01:09I want to make it abundantly clear
01:11that we have no intention to harm these countries.
01:14What we are essentially doing is to meet our electricity demands
01:20from one of the cleanest sources of energy.
01:24We cannot afford to continue keeping more than 65 million of our people in the dark.
01:32Several attempts to reach an agreement over the years have failed.
01:36Egypt's foreign ministry spokesperson said his country would closely monitor the situation
01:40and would take appropriate measures to protect the interests of the country.
01:43America has failed.
01:45America has gone on to doubt about Jesus' feet
01:48and said his country is unlimited won
02:06And so I can цен it much better.
Comments