Planes were banned from flying above Ethiopia’s controversial Grand Renaissance Dam by Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority. The Aviation authority said that this move was necessary for security reasons. Additionally, the head of Ethiopia’s Civil Aviation Authority stated in a report that it was not uncommon for such actions. He added that the country had banned flights over major projects numerous times.
(Gerd) The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam
(Gerd) The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a scheme the Ethiopian government is spearheading. The government wants the project completed because it sets to improve the country’s economic growth. The dam has been in construction since 2011, and since then, it began holding back water. This year, the dam currently holds 4.9 billion cubic meters of water in the reservoir sitting behind the dam.
With this current water levels, the Ethiopian government has achieved the required height of the first two turbines. Ethiopia presumes to begin producing electricity for Ethiopians in Ethiopia within the next 12 months. Upon completion, the Gerd will likely be the biggest hydro-electric plant in Africa. Furthermore, the Gerd will be capable of providing power to 65 million Ethiopians.
Disputes between Ethiopia and other Countries
Ethiopia’s decision to hold back water for its project has not sat well with some countries. Ethiopia and Sudan, both downstream of the Nile, are particularly not happy with Ethiopia’s project. The countries both fear that the dam will significantly reduce their access to water. Egypt, for instance, completely relies on the River Nile’s water for its water supply. The introduction of the dam could cause a reduction in the water levels and, thus, a reduction in the water supply to Egyptian citizens. The Egyptian government, therefore, seeks to bring Ethiopia’s dam project to an end. Egypt has to do this as the project poses a threat of existential proportions to them.
While Ethiopia commenced with the holding back of water to fill up its reservoir, Sudan reported a reduction in water levels. A reservoir in Ethiopia, on the other hand, started filling up. This prompted Sudan to join hands with Egypt in bitter disputes with Ethiopia.
Banning of all Fights
Banning all flights above the Gerd project now just seems to be an act of resistance by Ethiopia. It appears that despite Egypt’s and Sudan’s insistence that the project could cause the great harm,Ethiopian won’t listen. Ethiopia, however, refuses to stop the project. Furthermore it even says their project can’t possibly reduce the amount of water other countries receive.
Furthermore, with the bitter disputes going on, Ethiopia has decided to ban all flights over its mega-dam. Additionally, Ethiopia’s air force warned that it is ready to defend the mega-dam being built on a tributary of the River Nile. One of Ethiopia’s Major General, Yilma Merdasa, stated that the air force had modernized its fighter jets. Furthermore, he noted that the force has a plan A and even plan B ready. The plans he stated could assist them in countering any enemy who knowingly or unknowingly attempt o derail the project.
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