Day: April 2, 2024

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Mbumba conveys condolence message to Botswana


WINDHOEK: President Nangolo Mbumba conveyed a message of condolences to President Mokgweetsi Masisi of the Republic of Botswana and the people of Botswana, following the death of 45 nationals from the neighbouring country in a tragic bus crash last week Thursday.

The incident took place when the bus transporting Easter pilgrims from Botswana to Moria in South Africa allegedly crashed on the R518 road in Limpopo Province of South Africa, killing 45 people from Botswana, with only one victim surviving.

Mbumba in his message shared by the Presidency on Sunday said: ‘It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I extend my deepest condolences on behalf of the people of Namibia to President Mokgweetsi Masisi and the people of Botswana, following the tragic bus crash near South Africa’s Limpopo province.

The loss of 45 lives, predominantly citizens of Botswana, in this devastating accident has deeply saddened us all. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the victims during this diff
icult time.’

Namibia, he went on to say, shares in the grief of Botswana and stands in solidarity with the affected families as they mourn their loved ones.

The news of the sole survivor, an eight-year-old girl, brings a glimmer of hope amidst this tragedy, the Namibian Leader said, adding: ‘We pray for her swift recovery and extend our support to her and her family as they navigate through the aftermath of this harrowing experience.’

May the bereaved families find strength and solace during this period of mourning, Mbumba expressed.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

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Residents in Oromia Stage Rallies in Support of Ongoing Reform Agenda


Addis Ababa: Thousands of people in various cities and towns of Oromia region of Ethiopia have staged rallies in support of the ongoing reform agenda and praising the achievements registered over the past years.

The rallies were held today in several cities of Oromia region in connection with the 6th anniversary of the far-reaching reform of the country under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The support rallies were held in major towns of the region including in Adama, Robe, Jimma, Negele Borana and other areas, as observed by ENA reporters.

Government officials and community members joined the demonstrations, which aimed at consolidating the reform activities and maintaining peace.

Accordingly, those rallies in many of the Oromia regional towns saw a significant turnout would be considered as a widespread support for the reform agenda.

The demonstrators have carried placards displaying slogans such as “We will safeguard our victory and work together for mutual success,!’ “Ethiopia will be bui
lt on the foundations of multi-national brotherhood,!” ”Peace to All, All for Peace,!” ”Shared Narration is a base for nation state building! and among others.The demonstrators in all towns and cities have pledged to further contribute to the peace efforts in their region and encourage the successes of the reform made over the past six years.

They also emphasized the need to sustain the ongoing national reform, promote unity, and ensure that development initiatives should not be disrupted by anti-peace forces.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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GERD Testament to What Ethiopians Will Accomplish Amid Challenges, Says Deputy PM Temesgen


Addis Ababa: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is a living testament to what Ethiopians will accomplish if they are united, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said today.

The 13th anniversary for the commencement of the construction of GERD is being observed with various events in Addis Ababa today.

The commemoration is observed under the theme ‘Together we can’.

During the occasion, the deputy prime minister said the GERD is a testament to what Ethiopians will accomplish in unison by overcoming any challenges facing them.

The national flagship project has currently reached 95.8 percent, he stated, and added that the triumph has been made by the active participation of the people and unprecedented commitment of the leadership.

The attempts made by many to obstruct Ethiopia’s effort were futile, Temesgen emphasized.

The event is observed with panel discussion and photo exhibition, it was learned

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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GERD Instrumental to Nation’s Growth, Prosperity: Ambassador Sileshi


Addis Ababa: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a flagship hydro power project, will be instrumental to ensure the growth and prosperity of the nation, Ethiopian Ambassador to USA Sileshi Bekele said.

The 13th year of the foundation of the Grand Renaissance Dam was marked at the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington, D.C under the theme: ‘Together We Made It Possible.’

Religious fathers, scholars, leaders of various organizations and those who have contributions to GERD and members of the diaspora attended the event.

During the occasion, Ethiopian Ambassador to the USA Sileshi Bekele noted that the GERD is a special project which is being built by the collective contributions of all citizens.GERD would stimulate the economy of the country, he said, adding that the mega project will be vital to ensure the growth and prosperity of the nation.

Praising members of the diaspora who have been generously contributing resources, money, knowledge and time to the project since its inception, Ambassador Sileshi f
urther expressed his hope that such efforts will continue until the completion of the dam.

The construction of the dam which commenced in 2011, is nearing completion

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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GERD Will Greatly Contribute to Mutual Benefit of Region: IWMI Regional Representative


Addis Ababa: The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) will greatly contribute to the overall mutual benefit of the region, International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Regional Representative Abdulkarim Seid noted.

IWMI is a non-profit, scientific research organization focusing on the sustainable use of water and land resources in developing countries.

Talking to ENA, the regional representative stated that the GERD will play a leading role in strengthening cooperation and integration in East Africa.

Using natural resources for common development is crucial for East Africa, which is plagued by various man-made and natural problems, he added.

According to Abdulkarim, who is also senior water resources specialist, the joint use of natural resources is crucial for economic development of the continent and the region.

In this regard, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam will not only ensure the mutual benefit of the countries but also contribute to peace and stability of the region.

The IWMI representat
ive pointed out that Ethiopia is building the dam based on the principle of mutual benefit of water resources, which is one of the natural resources that binds the region together.

Abdulkarim explained that a lot of developments are happening in every country, especially in African countries, because population has been increasing at a very rapid rate together with urbanization and increasing climate change.

“So, this means increase in water, energy and food demand; and we need to address those. The Ethiopian government has ambitious infrastructure development activities over the last decade. The GERD is one example but not only GERD. We have several other projects being implemented to address all those challenges.”

The expert believes that the way Ethiopia has gone to build the dam to meet the growing demands for energy, accelerate economic growth, and deal with climate change, is correct.

He also noted that the efforts to resolve the disputes arising in the riparian countries during the process of build
ing the dam have been encouraging.

Abdulkarim expressed his belief that the disputes surrounding the dam will be resolved through negotiation.

The representative also advises the importance of having common information and understanding in order to avoid conflicts and use water resources equitably.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is near completion, will have an installed capacity of generating 5,150 MW upon going fully operational, making it the largest hydropower project in Africa that benefits countries in the region and beyond

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Chinese CEEC Expresses Desire to Construct Industrial Parks, Engage in Various Investments


Addis Ababa: China Energy Engineering Corporation (CEEC) has shown interest to engage in the construction of new industrial parks and various investments in Ethiopia, according to the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC).

Industrial Parks Development Corporation CEO, Aklilu Tadesse, and a CEEC delegation led by the General Manager Shen Zhen held discussion today.

During the discussion, the general manager stated that the corporation would like to work in collaboration with the Industrial Parks Development Corporation (IPDC) in constructing new industrial parks and engage in various areas of investment.

The CEEC officials also presented a detailed plan to engage in manufacturing of cement and electrical materials as well as other investment sectors, it was revealed.

IPDC CEO Aklilu pointed out that the corporation is ready to work together with the company and set the direction for the start of the process to move to the next phase of pre-investment preparation.

China Energy Engineering Corpora
tion (CEEC) is a huge international company with more than 130,000 employees and in 140 countries outside of China.

Source: Ethiopian News Agency

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Modus Operandi in GERD Big Lesson, Model for Africa: DPM Temesgen


Addis Ababa: The approach used to build the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a big lesson that serves as a model for African nations grappling with poverty, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh said.

The deputy premier made the above remark at the commemoration of the 13th Anniversary of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam held in Addis Ababa today.

He pointed out that despite the enormous challenges Ethiopia faced, it was able to safeguard its rights to conceive, design, finance, and construct the dam.

“This approach serves as a pioneering and exemplary model for nations across our continent grappling with poverty,” Temesgen stressed.

The anniversary celebrated under the theme: ‘Together We Can’ featured a series of events, including panel discussions and a photo exhibition.

Deputy PM Temesgen Tiruneh on the occasion lauded the unified efforts of the government and the public in overcoming significant challenges over the past thirteen years.

The construction of GERD has now reached an impressive 95
.8 percent milestone, and Ethiopia resolutely upheld the principle of African Solutions to African Problems on the global stage, he recalled.

And “in doing so, we safeguarded our right to conceive, design, finance, and construct for Ethiopia’s prosperity. This approach serves as a pioneering and exemplary model for nations across our continent grappling with poverty,” Temesgen underlined.

Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa on his part highlighted Ethiopia’s longstanding experience in dam construction for electricity generation and irrigation purposes.

He cited projects like Melkawakena, Koqa, Fincha, Gibe I-III, Tekeze, and Tis Abay, among others.

However, the minister revealed that ‘the combined output of these dams falls short of 4,000 megawatts, representing less than 8 percent of Ethiopia’s hydroelectric potential.’

According to him, the success of GERD serves as a powerful testament to the Ethiopian spirit of “it is possible.”

Habtamu noted that this spirit, including the project execution exp
erience, knowledge and technology transfer are imperative for developing other projects in the future

Source: Ethiopian News Agency