Ethiopian official denies Donald Trump’s claim that US funded River Nile dam

ETHIOPIA: An Ethiopian official has denied Donald Trump’s claim that the United States helped fund Ethiopia’s new megadam on the River Nile, saying it is false and “destructive”.

Last week, President Trump said the controversial dam was built “with United States money, largely”.

Officially known as the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (Gerd), the project is Africa’s biggest hydro-electric plant and a major source of pride for Ethiopians.

Over the 14 years it has taken to complete Gerd, the Ethiopian authorities have repeatedly said that the dam was funded by the government, along with contributions from the Ethiopian people.