Nation Studying to Corrrect Delay in Electro-Mechanical Works at GERD

Addis Ababa December 13/2018 Ethiopia is reportedly carrying out research on the quality of electro-mechanical works at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Speaking at a panel organized to asses the status of the project today, Water, Irrigation and Energy Minister Sileshi Bekele said it took longer time than planned due to lack of a detailed study and research during commencement. He particularly mentioned the electro-mechanical works of GERD awarded to Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC) that performed only 25 percent of the target. In addition, the quality and standard of the electro-mechanical works is under question mark and that needs to be studied, Sileshi said, adding that the study will ensure the quality of the dam. The minister revealed that civil construction of the dam has reached 80 percent, but the electro-mechanical work will incur more cost on the country. Ethiopia losses 800 million US dollars annually due to the delay in the construction of the dam, it was stated. GERD Project Manager Kifle Horo on his part dismissed rumors circulating about the dam on social media, asserting that the construction of the dam has been carried out without interruption. “We are working hard to compensate for the time lost. And we have especially focused on the electro-mechanical part which caused the overall performance of the project,” he stated.   According to Project Manager Kifle, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam requires additional four years beginning from 2019. ---END---