The “Dawn” ushers in a rosy future

BY LEULSEGEd WORKU

It is 2024. Everything has changed. The name of Ethiopia is stricken out of the long list of developing countries, for the country has joined the ranks of middle income countries. From different parts of the world Ethiopians are flocking to their motherland. All Nation, Nationalities and Peoples of the country are enjoying their cultural identity.

The river Nile no more conjures a sense of betrayal or a prodigal son in the minds of Ethiopians. Generating 6,000 MW electric power, it has become an ally of Ethiopians. In droves, tourists are coming to the country. They are spending a wonderful time around the artificial lake formed by the Great Renaissance Dam. Tightening their diplomatic link with Ethiopia, riparian countries are enjoying the benefits that accrued. They are no more beset by power blackout.

We know from history that rulers of Egypt were threatening Ethiopian kings from using the river Nile. Even there was a time that Khedive Ismail (1863-1879) had mobilized his forces to control the source of the Nile Valley and the Red Sea coast. By 1872 he attempted to connect Massawa with Sudan and even claimed Berbera and Harar as part of the Ottoman Empire administered by Egypt.

To make sure he is in firm control of his hypothetical territory, Ismail further encroached on Ethiopian territory and fought with the Ethiopian forces at Gundet in November 1875 and Gura in March 1876 where his forces were annihilated by Ras Alula's army. Ethiopia is always a peaceful and considerate nation.

There is no gainsaying that Nile is the lifeline of Egypt. Without the waters of the Nile, all living beings in Egypt could turn endangered species, but using the water for hydropower purpose by the riparian states of the Nile Basin couldn't not create discomfort on Egypt.

Almost all Ethiopian students know from their History or geography courses that Ethiopia is the water-tower of Africa. However, the truth is, as the water roars out of Ethiopia the nation could not utilize this source for developmental activities to the point it could.

Using the river Nile for developmental activities was the dream of almost all Ethiopian rulers. However, there was no single ruler who dared to take a bold step. Happily in 2011 this dream began actualizing and Ethiopia courageously laid the foundation to build hydroelectric power through its late sagacious prime minister Meles Zenawi. Upon completion the GERD (Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam) is expected to generate 6,000 megawatts of electricity.

Very recently, Ethiopia had colorfully marked the 3^rd year anniversary of the launching of the GERD. While celebrating the event different artistic programs that reflect Ethiopia's commitment to construct the GERD were staged and the significance of the dam for developmental activities was related to the audience.

Goh Siked which literary means Daybreak or Dawn, a musical drama was one of the shows.

Goh Siked, is written and directed by Nebeyu Baye, Faculty Dean Performing and Visual Art , Addis Ababa University.

Sekella where the source of Abay is believed to be is the setting. Using this setting as the initial point of the story the playwright foreshadows the unfolding by 2024. According to the drama, then, the GERD along with other infrastructural developments alleviates almost all economic burdens of Ethiopia. Turning beneficiaries of electric power generated form GERD, riparian counters owe a gratitude to Ethiopia.

While actors were bracing up to stage the drama I had a chance to intercept Nebyu for an interview. I asked him why he opted to use “Dawn” for the title of the drama . According to him, before the break of dawn long hours of darkness would prevail. Also, dawn is normally accompanied by bright hours, symbols of a rosy future, hope and resurrection. Therefore, better days the GRD ushers in crown Ethiopia's march towards renaissance with prosperity.

The darkest hours that precedes the break of dawn symbolize the past history of Ethiopia. This is the bygone period when the Ethiopia was portrayed a country whose Economy was in tatters in the eyes of the international community. It was taken as an epitome of hunger and poverty.

According to Nebeyu, by 2024 Abay will not only be the source of economic prosperity. It will also be a source of cultural integration among different Nation, Nationalities and Peoples` of Ethiopia. It will be the source of love and respect among them. GRED will not only be a loyal servant of Ethiopians, it will also serve riparian countries.

In Goh Siked, Abay is characterized by a bridegroom ready to wed Ethiopia. On the way to the wedding, the host of the wedding (people of Ethiopia) have to pass through arduous situations. They have to patiently pass trying times and handle several frustrating challenges that could endanger the wedding program. Many were the ups and downs in getting ready for the much awaited moment.

However, due to “their” commitment and endurance Abay will get married to Ethiopia and the children of the two will be sources of pride to many. On the drama, Abay is characterized as an honest and a responsible husband who adore his wife. He proves really honest. “He” knows no rest for her prosperity.

Three years have already passed since the cornerstone for GERD was laid. The project is moving at a swift tempo. The dam is taken as a groundwork of the country's renaissance journey. So far, 30% of the hydro mechanical and electro mechanical activities are well handled.