- The largest hydro-power scheme in Ethiopia has been launched raising hopes of the country's aim of self-sufficiency and exporting power in the near future.
Ethiopia’s state news agency reported that the 420MW Gilgel Gibe II hydro power project was officially inaugurated yesterday in a ceremony attended by foreign and Ethiopian government officials, media and business leaders.
The project, which was financed by Italy, to the tune of about US$ 407 million, will produce 420 megawatts of electricity. It is the second hydro-power plant to be inaugurated in Ethiopia after the 300MW Tekeze project which officially inaugurated in November last year.
The third phase of the project on the Omo River, the Gilgel Gibe III, is currently under construction and once completed will generate 1100MW of power for Ethiopia.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi and Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini who gaced the ceremony, were reported by the state news agency having hailed the project as a clean way to development.
"It's possible to speed up development without polluting the environment," Mr Meles was quoted saying, while also stating that the government would strive to double the energy capacity of Ethiopia in the next five years.
Ethiopia is considered one of the African states with a high potential for hydropower and yet its over 80 million inhabitants experience regular electricity shortages , both for the industry and home use.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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