GERD: Storing 64 billion Cubic Meters of Water
Agencies -Sudan Events
Dr. Abbas Sharaqi, water expert at Cairo University, has stated that the two turbines of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) are in a stoppage status for the third month running now, while water flow continues over the medium corridor of the dam
The expert, Sharqi, explained in a post uploaded in his official Facebook account that water has been flowing above the middle corridor since the 9th of September, following the completion of the fourth filling phase of t41 billion cubic meters in total. The latest picture captured on the 16 September, showed the two turbines could not allow water to pass through, over the middle corridor, giving the Ethiopians had no option but to try open the eastern gate on October 31, to dry the middle corridor, and allow the western drainage gate opened on November 8. However due to the increase in the surface level of the lake to about 1,240 km2, water is still flowing above the middle corridor. However, the quantities are ebbing in comparison to the two previous days.
He continued that it was expected that the water will stop passing over the middle corridor within several days, then it will dry and concrete work for the new ramp will begin, perhaps next January, in preparation for the fifth and final storage in (July/September) 2024, with a total amount of 64 billion cubic meters.
Meanwhile, negotiations will continue between the three countries concerned with the GERD crisis (Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia) in the context of searching for a binding law framework for Addis Ababa, with regard to filling the dam, draining water, and generating electricity, in addition to cooperation over data exchanging about the dam and water.
