Public urged to strengthen support for Renaissance Dam

Addis Ababa, July 2 (WIC) - Senior government officials and athletes urged the public to further strengthen support towards completion of the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Speaking at a 10km fund raising race organized here Sunday under the theme “We began to Finish”, they called on the public to further intensify their support for the success of the construction of the dam.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister as well as Chairperson of the Public Coordination National Council for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam project, Hailemariam Desalegn, on the occasion said the construction of the Dam will be completed as per the schedule if Ethiopians at home and abroad further consolidate their support.

Government Communication Affairs Office Minister, Bereket Simon, on his part said big construction machines and additional human power has been sent to the area where the construction is currently taking place.

Athletes, who took part in the race on their part vowed to provide the necessary support for the construction of the dam, which will be the largest hydroelectric power plant in Africa.

Prime Minister Meles Zenawi laid foundation stone for construction of the dam in Guba Woreda of Benishangul Gumz State on 2 April 2011.

Some 40,000 residents of Addis Ababa took part in the race.  (ENA)