Egypt Worried Over Potential Negative Impact of
Ethiopian Dam
The promising
Renaissance Dam, which Ethiopia started building with the intention of
storing 84 billion cubic meters of water, has been creating tensions between long-time friends Ethiopia and Egypt. This dam is under construction on the Blue Nile River about 40 km (25 mi) east of Sudan in the Benishangul-Gumuz Region of Ethiopia. At 6,000 MW, the dam will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa when completed, as well as the
13th or 14th largest in the world.
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| Artist Rendering of Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia |
However, the
construction of the dam has been unpleasant news to Egyptian government
officials. A report on the effects of the Ethiopian mega dam on Egypt’s water
safety is to be issued soon, government official says. The report will also
reveal concerns of potential negative influence on Egypt’s share of the Nile
Water "depending on the mechanism and time of water storage behind the
dam," the government official added.
Random Jerry thoughts:
The construction of this promising dam is very crucial for the growth of Ethiopia by providing enough hydroelectric power to the speedily developing industries of the country. In addition, it can be used to supply electricity to the rapidly growing population of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the hydroelectric power can be exported to other neighboring African countries to generate revenue for the country. Ethiopians seem very determined to build this dam as it will remind them of the late prime minster Zenawi, whose regime started this project. On the other hand, the economy of Egypt might be negatively influenced if this project takes away a substantial amount of water. Well, both Ethiopia and Egypt should get benefits by sharing the Nile River. But the biggest question is HOW. Let us hope that this project will not trigger any conflict between these densely populated African countries.
The construction of this promising dam is very crucial for the growth of Ethiopia by providing enough hydroelectric power to the speedily developing industries of the country. In addition, it can be used to supply electricity to the rapidly growing population of Ethiopia. Furthermore, the hydroelectric power can be exported to other neighboring African countries to generate revenue for the country. Ethiopians seem very determined to build this dam as it will remind them of the late prime minster Zenawi, whose regime started this project. On the other hand, the economy of Egypt might be negatively influenced if this project takes away a substantial amount of water. Well, both Ethiopia and Egypt should get benefits by sharing the Nile River. But the biggest question is HOW. Let us hope that this project will not trigger any conflict between these densely populated African countries.
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