JUBA – South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit announced on Tuesday plans to sign an agreement with Ethiopia for the import of electricity from the newly inaugurated Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).
Kiir joined other African leaders in Addis Ababa on Tuesday to inaugurate the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is Africa’s largest hydroelectric project.
“We plan to sign an agreement to receive power from this great dam, which will bring electricity to our towns, villages, schools, and hospitals—opening new doors of opportunity for our people,” Kiir said during his key speech on Tuesday in Addis Ababa.
Kiir expressed that his administration is eager to sign an agreement for power sharing with Ethiopia.
Kiir described the dam as “a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and determination,” applauding Ethiopia for its tenacity and national vision.
“It shows what a nation can do and achieve when the people come together. The dam is not just a project; it’s a symbol of unity, sacrifice, and integration,” he said.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to further enhance bilateral relations with Ethiopia.
“I want to tell them that we are brothers and sisters. We have a shared history, friendship, and a common future. That’s why today we celebrate with you.”
He called for unity of African countries, noting that the progress of one country strengthens the resilience of the whole region.
“We believe the progress of one nation is the progress of all. Together, we can turn our challenges into opportunities for peace, stability, and growth.”
Constructed on the Blue Nile River at a cost of 5 billion US dollars, the GERD will produce more than 6,000 megawatts of electricity, making Ethiopia a regional energy hub and accelerating development in East Africa.
Africa’s largest hydroelectric project, which took 14 years to finish, demonstrates the country’s capacity for unity and collective effort.
The project is expected to ultimately produce over 6,000 megawatts of electricity, which is double Ethiopia’s current output and enough to make the East African nation of 120 million a net energy exporter.
The dam is located about 500 kilometers (311 miles) northwest of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.
It is 1,800 meters long and 175 meters high and is backed by a reservoir that can hold up to 74 billion cubic meters of water, according to the main contractor.
