Maravi

Ethiopians sacrifice salaries for Nile river dam construction

Ethiopians sacrifice salaries for Nile river dam construction
By ZANIS
Sun 08 May 2011, 09:00 CAT

Ethiopian workers from both government and private institutions in that country have pledged to sacrifice their one month salary towards the construction of a dam on the Nile River.

The workers will pay their one month salary in 12 monthly installments towards the “Great Millennium Dam” project.

The dam is estimated to cost 80 billion Ethiopian Birr (US$ 5 billion) but the Ethiopian government has a deficit of 4 Billion Birr towards the project according to this year’s budget.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi had since appealed to Ethiopians to unite and contribute towards the project which he said will greatly contribute to the social- economic development of the country.

The Premier’s appeal has moved workers to sacrifice towards the project which will benefits all Ethiopians.

This is according to a statement released to ZANIS in Lusaka today by First Secretary for Press at the Zambian Embassy in Ethiopia Dorcas Chileshe.

Apart from sacrificing the one month’s salary, the workers are also buying government bonds being offered to the public for the same purpose.

Ethiopia is currently producing 2000 Mega watts but when completed, the Millennium dam will produce 5200 MW of hydro-power which will boost local consumption and export revenue.

Meanwhile, the Ethiopian opposition Coalition has shown a rare solidarity with government over the construction of the dam.

Forum for Justice and Democratic Dialogue Leader Beyene Petros said is Addis Ababa recently that the role of the opposition is not only to attack but provide support on Ethiopian workers sacrifice one month salary towards construction of the dam.

Professor Petros said that the opposition is happy that the construction of the grand dam has become a symbol of unity in Ethiopia.

Labels: ETHIOPIA, IRRIGATION

posted by MrK @ 2:56 PM