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| Selected Speeches |
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| Ba Beta Kristiyan Haile Selassie I |
| Selected Speeches |
| Haile Selassie the First - December 11, 1966 |
When We laid the cornerstone for this second Awash hydro-electric
power plant less than two years ago, We expressed the hope of looking
forward to this day when the construction and the installation works
would be completed and the power plant would be in full operation. Now
that Our wish is fulfilled in this regard, through the bounty of the Almighty
God, it is with great pleasure that We are present here today to inaugurate
this plant.
The pleasure is mainly derived from the fact that this project, though small
when compared with the ambitious one that We envisage to carry out in
accordance with Our economic plan, will open new opportunities of
employment for Our people. The study for the construction of this major
electric power plant that We intend to carry out is available and is going to
be erected at a well known place in Our country where it can give added
benefits for the country and the people.
With the completion and inauguration of the Koka hydro-electric power
plant the sharp increase in the production of electricity was soon absorbed
and consequently power supply fell short of demand. This is a heartening
sign because it is indicative of the accelerated growth of Our industrial
development activities, as well as the continued advancement of the
standard of living of Our people. In this scientific and technological age
electricity is the life-blood of a nation. For there can be no progress nor
economic development without electricity. Mindful of this, We decided to
establish a number of power plants along this Valley and to commence the
detailed study for the construction of a big power plant on the Fincha river.
As We have already stated the study for the construction of the other
major power plant is already completed.
Ethiopia has abundant natural resources. To accelerate the effective
exploitation of these resources for the benefit and well-being of Our
people, the need for foreign capital and skill became eminent. To
overcome the obstacles and hinderances in this connection, We had to
create a climate conducive for the importation of this badly needed capital
and skill. To this end We had to provide, among other things, the
infrastructure such as electricity, and good roads, which are vital for
development. Though We have gone a long way in carrying out such
basic programmes, yet the greater task still lies ahead.
A nation can achieve a healthy and full growth, provided balanced
measures are taken in all fields of activity. Guided by this principle and in
accordance with the resources that We have at Our disposal, We for Our
part have and shall continue to work for the full realization of the said
objective.
Progress and work have no boundaries. It is, therefore, the duty of
everyone of us to contribute in full measure his share to this noble aim.
We should always bear in mind that education and modern civilization are
the fruits of hard labour.
The World Bank, inspired by the noble objective of assisting the
developing countries in their quest for progress and development, is
presently helping Our country in the realization of various infrastructural
projects. As a founding member and as a beneficiary of the Bank, Ethiopia
takes keen interest in its development. We wish to re-affirm here once
again Our strong support of the Bank's endeavours which are directed for
the economic well-being of Our people. It is a fitting occasion to extend
Our deep thanks to the World Bank for the generous loan it has made
available to us for the construction of this and the third Awash power
plant which is still under construction. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the
Ethiopian Electric Light and Power Authority, to all the contractors and
workers who have contributed their share in the completion of this project
from which Our country shall draw lasting benefit.
power plant less than two years ago, We expressed the hope of looking
forward to this day when the construction and the installation works
would be completed and the power plant would be in full operation. Now
that Our wish is fulfilled in this regard, through the bounty of the Almighty
God, it is with great pleasure that We are present here today to inaugurate
this plant.
The pleasure is mainly derived from the fact that this project, though small
when compared with the ambitious one that We envisage to carry out in
accordance with Our economic plan, will open new opportunities of
employment for Our people. The study for the construction of this major
electric power plant that We intend to carry out is available and is going to
be erected at a well known place in Our country where it can give added
benefits for the country and the people.
With the completion and inauguration of the Koka hydro-electric power
plant the sharp increase in the production of electricity was soon absorbed
and consequently power supply fell short of demand. This is a heartening
sign because it is indicative of the accelerated growth of Our industrial
development activities, as well as the continued advancement of the
standard of living of Our people. In this scientific and technological age
electricity is the life-blood of a nation. For there can be no progress nor
economic development without electricity. Mindful of this, We decided to
establish a number of power plants along this Valley and to commence the
detailed study for the construction of a big power plant on the Fincha river.
As We have already stated the study for the construction of the other
major power plant is already completed.
Ethiopia has abundant natural resources. To accelerate the effective
exploitation of these resources for the benefit and well-being of Our
people, the need for foreign capital and skill became eminent. To
overcome the obstacles and hinderances in this connection, We had to
create a climate conducive for the importation of this badly needed capital
and skill. To this end We had to provide, among other things, the
infrastructure such as electricity, and good roads, which are vital for
development. Though We have gone a long way in carrying out such
basic programmes, yet the greater task still lies ahead.
A nation can achieve a healthy and full growth, provided balanced
measures are taken in all fields of activity. Guided by this principle and in
accordance with the resources that We have at Our disposal, We for Our
part have and shall continue to work for the full realization of the said
objective.
Progress and work have no boundaries. It is, therefore, the duty of
everyone of us to contribute in full measure his share to this noble aim.
We should always bear in mind that education and modern civilization are
the fruits of hard labour.
The World Bank, inspired by the noble objective of assisting the
developing countries in their quest for progress and development, is
presently helping Our country in the realization of various infrastructural
projects. As a founding member and as a beneficiary of the Bank, Ethiopia
takes keen interest in its development. We wish to re-affirm here once
again Our strong support of the Bank's endeavours which are directed for
the economic well-being of Our people. It is a fitting occasion to extend
Our deep thanks to the World Bank for the generous loan it has made
available to us for the construction of this and the third Awash power
plant which is still under construction. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the
Ethiopian Electric Light and Power Authority, to all the contractors and
workers who have contributed their share in the completion of this project
from which Our country shall draw lasting benefit.
| Chapter XIII |
| Opening of Awash II Dec. 11, 1966 |
| Light & Power |