Despite tension, Ethiopia celebrated second dam anniversary and cancels fuel import from Sudan

Ethiopia’s dam project has seen widespread criticism from Egypt, Sudan and now Saudi Arabia.

April 6, 2013, ADDIS ABABA (Bikya News): Ethiopia this week celebrated the second anniversary of the launching of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GRD) construction project at the site.

Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Demeke Mekonnen on the occasion said the Dam indicates the rebirth of ancient history and civilization of Ethiopia.

Demeke, who is also President of the National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation in the construction of the Dam, said that the launching of the construction work demonstrates that Ethiopians are capable of accomplishing even what seems impossible.

He said construction of the Dam has brought about renewal of the ancient Ethiopian history and civilization while attested the ongoing development in the country.

So far, some one fourth of the required 80 billion birr has been secured for construction of the Dam, he said, adding the public have carried out soil and water conservation activities, which helps to prevent silt from entering the dam.

Water and Energy Minister Alemayehu Tegenu on his part said the project is well underway according to schedule. Alemayehu said the construction of the Dam indicates Ethiopia’s effort to contribute in the fight against global climate change.

Egypt and Sudan have both voiced concerns over the dam project, saying it will cut into their needed water allotment under historical treaties.

Ethiopia argues that the dam project will not eat away at their northern Nile River partners, and this has been supported by international and local committees looking at the water situation.

–bikya news

————————-**——————————–

Ethiopia cancels $1 billion fuel imports from Sudan

April 5, 2013, ADDIS ABABA (Sudan Tribune) – The Ethiopian Petroleum Supplier Enterprise (EPSE) has retracted its statement last month that reported that the country had imported over $1 billion of fuel from neighbouring Sudan via Djibouti, as reported by Sudan Tribune on March 31.

The EPSE Sunday reported that the 1,091,823 metric tonnes of oil had in fact been
imported from other sources, the EPSE’s spokesperson, Alemayehu Tsegaye declined to name.

Without disclosing the reasons behind the decision the spokesperson told Sudan Tribune that Ethiopia stopped importing fuel from Sudan last year after it terminated its contract with Khartoum.

Ethiopia used to import up to 85% of its annual oil consumption from neighbouring Sudan, largely due to its geographic proximity.

–Sudan Tribune