Ethio-Telecom Hands Over 122 Million Birr Mobilized for GERD

Addis Ababa April 22/2021 (ENA) Some 122.5 million Birr was has been mobilized for the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) through SMS service, Ethio-Telecom announced today.

The fund raised through the third-round SMS service was handed over to Ethiopian Electric Power at a ceremony held at  Hayat Regency Hotel.

Speaking on the occasion, Ethio Telecom CEO Firehiwot Tamiru said the 1.3 million mobile subscribers contributed the money over a year starting from March 2020.

The CEO appreciated Ethio Telecom’s mobile subscribers for rasing 252 million Birr in three rounds starting from August 2014 for the construction of the dam.

Firehiwot added that Ethio Telecom has also purchased 111 million Birr bond for the  Grand Ethiopian Renaissance.

National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation for the Construction of the Grand  Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Director-General, Aregawi Berhe called on the public to continue their support for the dam.

He further noted that Ethiopians and the diaspora have bought bond and donated over 15 billion Birr for GERD.

According to him, the fundraising program has created opportunity for all Ethiopians to put their fingerprint on the dam.