By Leulseged Worku and Alazar Shiferaw
"We have been actively participating in GERD fund raising and discharging our citizenship responsibility for the construction."
A music album Hiber Zema le Hedaseyachen to support the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam was launched at Capital Hotel last Monday.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Government Whip Roman Gebre-Selassie said that the participation of the public in the construction of the Dam is very encouraging.
According to her, this active participation is witnessed in the first round 8100 A SMS text messaging in which the Ethiopian people showed unreserved commitment to support the Dam.
"In this regard, like other segments of the society artists are contributing their share for the successful completion of the Dam. The musical album is part of this effort,"she said.
Roman said that believing power is indispensable for sustainable development, the government has mobilized resources to construct the GERD. The construction of the Dam has encouraged saving, perseverance and, above all changed the image of the country, she added.
Office of National Council for the Coordination of Public Participation for the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) Media and Communication Director Fekadu Ketema said besides serving as instrument to mobilizing the public, the proceeds from the sale of the album will support the construction process.
According to Fekadu, 14 well known Ethiopian musicians, artists, composers, directors and arrangers and others have committed their knowledge and time for free. The musical album is published in audio and video clip.
He also said that the second round 8100 A SMS will be launched this week.
According to him, so far close to 84 million Birr is collected to support the Dam via 8100 A SMS text message.
Athletes hand over 52 TV sets
Meanwhile, renowned Ethiopian athletes handed over 52, 32 inch TV sets to the Office for the second round SMS fundraiser. The Office expects to collect 100 million Birr in this round.
Speaking at the handing over ceremony held at Eilly Hotel yesterday, representing the athletes Sileshi Sihin said: "We have been actively participating in GERD fund raising and discharging our citizenship responsibility for the construction. We will also continue our support until GERD is complete. We are happy and voluntary sustain the support."
Athlete Meseret Defar on her part said that four years elapsed since the launch of the construction of the dam. Like fellow Ethiopians, we athletes have been participating in all aspects of Dam construction fund raising activities, he said.
Athletes hand over 52 TV setsAfter receiving the donation, Office Deputy Director General Zadig Abraha told the athletes that they are symbol of the country's victory. "You enabled the national flag to be hoisted at various international sports avenue. Likewise, GERD shows Ethiopia's commitment to end poverty. The 'Hidassie' Dam construction ensures Ethiopia's self-reliance and change its image globally. You athletes have also played a great role in building the image of the country."
The construction of the Dam is going on round the clock and now it has seen 47 per cent completion.
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