Abbas Sharaki, Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University, stated that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) poses a threat to the security of Egypt and Sudan due to its massive reservoir and its location in a geologically challenging area.
In statements made on Al Hadath TV, Sharaki added that Ethiopia had stored approximately 60 billion cubic meters of water by the end of last September.
He explained that the GERD’s reservoir is exceptionally large and is situated in a region with significant geological issues, which, contrary to Ethiopia’s claims, presents a danger to the security of both Egypt and Sudan.
The Cairo University water resources expert also highlighted the risk posed by the potential shutdown of the GERD’s turbines, especially with forecasts of heavy rainfall next August and the reservoir becoming completely full.
Sharaki stressed that any damage to the GERD could lead to a devastating flood that would wipe out 30 million Sudanese living along the Blue Nile. Conversely, he noted that no Ethiopian citizens would be harmed, as the dam is located below the Ethiopian plateau in an uninhabited area.
On Wednesday, Aregawi Berhe, Director of the Ethiopian Dam Project Coordination Office, announced that the GERD has reached a 98.9 percent completion rate, bringing Ethiopia closer to “achieving its national dream after 14 years of work.”
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Thursday extended a surprise invitation to Egypt and Sudan to attend the inauguration of the GERD in September.
Egypt’s Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation, Hani Sewilam on Thursday, reaffirmed Egypt’s categorical rejection of Ethiopia’s continued policy of imposing a “fait accompli” through unilateral actions regarding the Nile River.
