What is surprising is despite a previous error, another large-scale blunder is being committed by the
government that has awarded the Genale Dewa Project to the Chinese. The Tekezze Dam is also prone to disaster like other projects. But why?
The government awards multi-million-dollar projects to the Chinese, Indians and Italians without putting any check-and-balance systems in place. The brunt of the hugely ridiculous and expensive engineering projects is borne by no one but Ethiopia. Like the land grab, which is robbing the country of its most important farmlands, the ‘hydro power projects’ also fall in the same category of pushing deals through practices that fall far short of international standards.
Ethiomedia here presents a well-researched, must-read document entitled “Can Gibe II be fixed?” by Dr. Samuel Kinde, professor of mechanical engineering at San Diego State University, with extensive experience in managing projects in various disciplines of engineering as well as technology, including structural and seismic engineering, as well as Samson Engeda, M.Sc., who is a principal at SKS Engineering (San Diego, CA) and a registered professional engineer in the State of California as well as Hawaii, also with extensive experience in civil, structural and bridge engineering.
The two leading scholars have investigated why numerous failures have hit the Gilgel Gibe II project in its most important component, which is the 26-km-long tunnel. They reason with evidence why a mix of engineering errors and systemic flaws in an area long known for its significant seismic activities is a recipe for disaster. They have come up with possible solutions that would resolve impending disasters. Will the government, which has a disregard for Ethiopian scholars, heed the advice of the two leading professionals? Ethiopians should take this highly interesting document seriously so that they would know – and take actions if possible – the major risks closely associated with Gibe II, Gibe III and Gibe IV and other large scale projects in the offing. – Abraha Belai, Ethiomedia editor.
