"Reported deaths include engineers and workers, security forces, drivers and residents who contributed to or supported the project in various ways. Former GERD chief project manager Simegnew Bekele stands out as one of the prominent figures who died under unclear circumstances, with speculation that he may have been assassinated in connection with the dam construction in July 2018. Simegnew was found with a bullet wound in his car in central Addis Ababa."
"Due to the dam's geopolitical sensitivity, Ethiopia did not receive any financial aid from major international lenders, such as the IMF, World Bank or even the African Development Bank (AfDB). To raise funds, Ethiopia issued government bonds, rallied public donations and even encouraged civil servants to contribute part of their salaries. The project united Ethiopians across political, ethnic and economic divides, with millions contributing financially through bond purchases and donations."
Claims state that at least 15,000 people may have died during the 14-year construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Ethiopian Water and Energy Minister Habtamu Itefa neither confirmed nor denied the numbers. Deaths cited include engineers, workers, security forces, drivers and residents. Former GERD chief project manager Simegnew Bekele died under unclear circumstances in July 2018 and was found with a bullet wound in his car in central Addis Ababa. The dam's commissioning on September 9 is expected to attract continental dignitaries, while Egypt and Sudan's attendance remains uncertain. Ethiopia financed construction through government bonds, public donations and salary contributions, with a Chinese loan supporting critical infrastructure.
Read at www.dw.com
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