Ethiopia says second filling of Renaissance Dam complete

Latest phase a milestone in Blue Nile hydropower project long opposed by downriver countries Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia has completed the filling of a massive, controversial dam on the Blue Nile river for a second year, state media has said, a move that is likely to anger Egypt and Sudan who have long opposed the project. Addis Ababa has said the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), a $4bn hydropower project, is crucial to its economic development and to provide power. But the project has caused concern over water shortages and safety in Egypt and Sudan, which also depend on the Nile’s waters.