A Government Source: No Expected Harm to Sudan Due to the Opening of the GERD

Sudanhorizon – Exclusive – Mariam
A government source stated that the fifth filling of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) reservoir was completed according to the planned schedule, utilising the heavy rainfall currently occurring on the Ethiopian plateau.
The source added that the same approach was used during the fourth filling, ruling out any potential harm to Sudan due to the opening of the dam’s gates.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced on Sunday that three more turbines would be installed and operational at the GERD within four months, bringing the total number of turbines installed to seven.
Abiy Ahmed also noted that the water storage in the dam’s reservoir is expected to reach 70 billion cubic meters by December, and he confirmed that the construction work on the dam is expected to be 100% complete by the same month.
He also announced the start of operations for the third and fourth turbines at the GERD, in addition to the two turbines that were made operational in 2022. Furthermore, he announced the opening of the spillway gates at the dam, allowing a flow of 2,800 cubic meters per second.
The Prime Minister described this step as “good news” for the downstream Nile Basin countries.
He pointed out that the GERD plays a critical role in managing water flow, reducing flood risks, and ensuring a stable water supply to the countries along the river, especially during drought periods.
Additionally, he explained that the regulated release of water from the dam enhances agricultural productivity, increases energy generation capacity, and improves resource utilisation throughout the region.