Additional dams planned for the Nile Basin alongside the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) have been meticulously studied and align with international law, according to water resource researcher Dr. Assefa Mulu.
Speaking to Gebeya Media, Dr. Assefa noted that the upcoming projects are strictly hydropower facilities rather than agricultural irrigation schemes. Because they generate electricity without withholding water, he stressed that downstream nations face no risk of reduced water flow.
Dr. Assefa pointed out that comprehensive feasibility and design studies for these projects were initially conducted between 1956 and 1964 (Ethiopian Calendar) by American engineers under Emperor Haile Selassie.
These evaluations thoroughly analyzed geology, hydrology, and the domestic economy. This foundational research was later complemented by an integrated Nile Basin master plan completed in 1998–1999 by French consultants through an official government tender.
Addressing opposition from Egypt which argues that upper riparian projects require prior notification Dr. Assefa dismissed the complaints as contradictory, noting that Egypt never sought approval from basin countries when building the Aswan High Dam or developing its own mega-projects.
He reiterated that Ethiopia rejects the colonial-era 1929 and 1959 water treaties, which it never signed or recognized. However, he emphasized that Ethiopia's developments will not harm downstream nations.
Instead, the new dams will provide downstream benefits by releasing regulated water during dry seasons to mitigate drought and trapping sediment before it reaches downstream reservoirs.
In closing, Dr. Assefa emphasized that the dams will significantly boost national power generation, expand export opportunities, and improve electricity access, while calling on the public to actively participate in watershed and forest conservation efforts.
