Latest news with #GERD
Daily News Egypt
6 hours ago
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
Addis Ababa Residents Voice Anger Over Soaring Electricity Bills
A growing number of residents in Ethiopia's capital are expressing outrage over a sharp rise in electricity costs, which many say is straining their already tight household budgets. Social media has been flooded with complaints, prompting calls for immediate explanations from Ethiopian electric utility providers. Residents across various neighborhoods in Addis Ababa report that recent prepaid electricity top-ups are no longer lasting as long as they did just months ago. In interviews with local outlets, several citizens described being shocked by the rate at which their prepaid balances are depleting — without a clear reason or official explanation. 'I used to recharge 1,000 birr and it would last the whole month,' said Martha, a mother of two. 'Now, 800 birr barely gets me through a week. I don't know what changed, but I'm struggling to keep up.' Another resident, Markos, recounted a frustrating experience after he recharged his meter card with 1,500 birr. 'When I tapped the card, the balance only showed 1,200 birr. I went back to the branch to ask, and they had no answers for me,' he said. For lower-income families, the price jump is hitting especially hard. One woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said her household of four is now paying more than double the electricity costs they did earlier this year. 'We're already stretched thin trying to cover rent and groceries,' she said. 'Now electricity has become another unaffordable burden.' Efforts by local media to obtain clarification from the Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) and Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) have so far yielded little information. A representative at a branch office told reporters the issue was 'beyond their scope of authority,' while repeated calls to the headquarters went unanswered. While frustration grows in urban centers, nearly half of Ethiopia's population—particularly in rural areas—still lacks reliable access to electricity altogether. Many had pinned hopes on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which is projected to more than double the country's current power generation capacity to over 6,000 megawatts. The GERD, Africa's largest hydroelectric project, was partially inaugurated in September and is expected to provide a long-term solution to the country's chronic energy shortages. Officials have touted the project as a potential catalyst for affordable, widespread electrification across the country. However, experts caution that GERD's completion alone may not immediately translate into lower electricity prices for average citizens. Infrastructure bottlenecks, economic inflation, and regulatory inefficiencies may continue to influence energy costs, even as overall power output increases. For now, residents in Addis Ababa say they are left in the dark — both literally and figuratively — as their utility bills soar without clarity or accountability. Many are calling on the government and electricity providers to issue a public explanation and introduce transparent pricing mechanisms to ease the burden on everyday consumers.
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Health
- Time of India
Why sleeping on your back is the worst, according to science
You've probably heard that sleeping on your back is 'good for posture' or helps prevent wrinkles. But recent medical research, including a New York Post article, suggests otherwise. For most adults, sleeping on your back might actually be the worst position for breathing, digestion, and even brain health. It can increase snoring, trigger sleep apnea, and affect how the brain clears waste while you sleep. While it may be helpful for some people with spinal issues, it's far from the healthiest choice for everyone. Before assuming it's the ideal sleep position, it's worth knowing what science really says. No myths, no wellness fluff, just straightforward facts that might make you rethink the way you settle in for the night. Why sleeping on your back is the worst for sleep apnea Let's start with the big one: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). It's one of the most serious sleep disorders, and more than 50 percent of people with OSA have what's known as positional OSA. That means their symptoms get significantly worse when they sleep on their backs. A clinical study published in Sleep and Breathing found that sleeping in the supine position can dramatically increase the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI), which measures how often breathing is disrupted during sleep. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Indonesia: Unsold Sofas at Bargain Prices (Prices May Surprise You) Sofas | Search Ads Search Now Undo In contrast, side-sleeping lowered those numbers substantially. Simply put, sleeping on your back can be the worst position for your airway, especially if you're already dealing with apnea-related issues. Switching sides isn't just more comfortable, it could actually save your sleep. Why sleeping on your back is the worst for acid reflux Got heartburn at night? Your sleep position might be to blame. Multiple studies have shown that sleeping on your left side can significantly reduce acid exposure in the esophagus, helping relieve nighttime heartburn and GERD symptoms. On the flip side, lying flat on your back tends to make reflux worse by allowing stomach acid to flow more easily into the esophagus. A 2022 study published in Sleep Medicine Research confirmed this strong connection between sleep posture and nighttime reflux. If you regularly wake up with a burning sensation or bitter taste, switching to your left side could offer real relief, no medication required, just smarter sleeping. Why sleeping on your back is the worst for brain detox Your brain has a 'clean-up crew' called the glymphatic system. It clears out waste like amyloid-β—stuff linked to Alzheimer's. The catch? It works best when you sleep on your side. A 2015 study in Journal of Neuroscience used MRI imaging on animals and found that side-sleeping led to better brain waste clearance than research suggests that your sleep position may not just impact how rested you feel, but also how well your brain ages. So if long-term brain health is on your radar, turning to your side could be a smart move for your future self. Why sleeping on your back is the worst for snoring (and relationships) Let's be honest: nobody wants to sleep next to a chainsaw. And if you sleep on your back, you might just become one. When you lie flat, gravity pulls your tongue and soft tissues backward, relaxing your airway muscles and narrowing your throat. This makes it much harder for air to flow smoothly, especially during deep sleep. The result? Loud, persistent snoring that can ruin your sleep and your partner's sanity. For people with sleep apnea, this position can even cause breathing pauses that seriously impact health over time. Switching to your side or using a supportive pillow can make a huge difference in keeping those midnight motor noises at bay and helping you breathe better through the night. Why sleeping on your back is the best if you're a baby There's really only one group of people who should sleep on their backs, babies under 12 months. For infants, this position is actually life-saving, as it helps reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But for the rest of us, back sleeping doesn't hold the same benefits. Adults who struggle with sleep apnea, acid reflux, loud snoring, or even morning brain fog may find that lying on their back makes things worse. Side sleeping, especially on the left, can improve digestion, breathing, and circulation. So unless you're under a year old, switching your sleep position might be one of the easiest ways to feel more rested and function better during the day. Why sleeping on your back is the worst when it comes to overall sleep quality Side sleeping isn't just better for your health, it can actually help you sleep more deeply. A 2023 observational study found that people who slept on their sides experienced longer REM cycles and woke up less often during the night. In contrast, those who slept on their backs had more frequent sleep disruptions, especially individuals dealing with breathing problems or gastrointestinal issues like acid reflux. The side position supports better airway stability and digestion, both of which contribute to more restful, uninterrupted sleep. So if you're waking up groggy or tossing and turning, simply changing how you sleep could make a noticeable difference in your overall sleep quality. How to stop sleeping on your back: Tape or sew a tennis ball to the back of your shirt- This old-school trick works surprisingly well. The discomfort makes it hard to stay on your back, training your body over time to stick to side sleeping. Use a large body pillow to support your side- A full-length pillow gives your arms and legs something to rest on, reducing the urge to roll over. It also helps align your spine for better comfort. Try a vibration sleep trainer- These wearable devices gently vibrate when you start shifting onto your back. It's a subtle nudge that helps correct your position without fully waking you up. Sleep slightly propped up if you have GERD or acid reflux- If sleeping on your back is necessary due to certain conditions, use a wedge pillow to elevate your upper body. It helps reduce acid flow and keeps breathing easier. Sleeping on your back is one of the worst positions for your throat, stomach, brain function, and overall sleep quality. Unless you're a baby or someone with specific spinal issues that require it, your body probably functions better on its side. From reduced snoring and reflux to better circulation and deeper REM cycles, the benefits of side sleeping are backed by solid science. If restful, healthy sleep is the goal, turning sideways might just be the simplest fix. Also read| 5 reasons why your blood pressure medication is not working
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Jazeera
The Nile cannot be governed by colonial-era treaties
In a couple of weeks, the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), the biggest hydroelectric dam on the African continent, will be inaugurated. The construction of this dam has taken more than a decade and has cost nearly $5bn. The government and people of Ethiopia mobilised the funds for this national project from their meagre internal resources. No international financing was made available for this project. While the construction of the dam has received some international media attention, the media coverage has not made clear the Ethiopian perspective. This is a modest attempt to rectify that problem. The GERD is constructed on the Blue Nile, which Ethiopians call Abay. Abay means 'big' or 'major' in several Ethiopian languages. Abay is one of the main tributaries of the Nile River. Although many associate the Nile almost exclusively with Egypt, the river traverses 10 other African countries. Among these countries, Ethiopia holds a unique position because 86 percent of the Nile water that reaches Egypt originates from the Ethiopian highlands. Abay is the biggest river in Ethiopia with a huge potential to boost overall socioeconomic transformation and development. It has been a long-held aspiration of Ethiopians to utilise this resource. The GERD is a national development project that fulfils this dream. Despite its huge labour force and economic potential, Ethiopia has yet to make headway in its endeavour to industrialise. One critical factor that has held back this effort has been Ethiopia's lack of energy. According to the latest figures, barely 55 percent of Ethiopians have access to electricity. There is a huge demand and need for electricity in Ethiopia. Hence, the GERD is seen as our national ticket out of darkness and poverty. Necessity dictates that Ethiopia use this major resource as an instrument to spur growth and prosperity for the benefit of its 130-million-strong population, which is expected to reach 200 million by 2050. The GERD is expected to generate about 5,150 megawatts of electricity and produce an annual energy output of 15,760 gigawatt hours. This will double Ethiopia's energy output, which will not only light our homes but also power industries and cities and transform our economy. The GERD would also make it possible to increase our energy exports to neighbouring countries, thereby strengthening regional integration and interconnectedness. The lower riparian states of the Nile would also derive immense benefit from the GERD because it would prevent flooding, sedimentation and water loss through evaporation. The very purpose of the GERD, which is generating electricity, requires that the water flows to lower riparian countries after hitting the enormous turbines that generate the electricity. The dam does not block or stop the river from flowing. Doing so would make electricity generation impossible and defeat the very purpose for which the dam was built. So, you might ask, why are some lower riparian countries complaining about the construction of the dam? The reason for their objections emanates not from rational fear or legitimate concern. The objections are the result of an attitude shaped by a colonial-era water-sharing agreement concluded between Britain and Egypt in 1929 and its derivative agreement sealed in 1959 between Egypt and Sudan. Ethiopia was not a party to any of these treaties. However, some Egyptians contend that the water-sharing formula enshrined in the colonial-era agreement, which excludes the remaining nine African nations from having any share of the Nile, is still valid and should be adhered to by all Nile riparian countries. From an Ethiopian point of view, this anachronistic argument, often presented as 'historic rights over the Nile' is unacceptable. While Britain is entitled to enter into any agreements regarding the River Thames, it does not have the right to dispose of the waters of the Nile or the Abay River. As we all recall, the late Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser rejected Britain's claims over the Suez Canal. For much stronger reasons, Ethiopian leaders have consistently rejected arguments based on colonial arrangements in which Ethiopia did not have a say. The Ethiopian view is that the Nile is a shared natural resource. It should be used in a cooperative framework that would be beneficial for all riparian countries. The developmental aspirations and dreams of all nations are equally legitimate. The needs of some should not be prioritised over the needs of others. A fair, just and inclusive arrangement that takes into account the realities of the 21st century is needed. Such an arrangement is already in place in the form of the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement, which is a contemporary, African-initiated treaty designed to promote sustainable management and equitable use of the Nile. This treaty has already been signed and ratified by Ethiopia, Burundi, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda and South Sudan. Egypt should stop yearning for a bygone colonial era and join these Nile riparian countries in their joint effort to promote fair and equitable use of the Nile in a sustainable manner. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera's editorial stance.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt's water resources in focus
The Ethiopian government recently announced the completion of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) and extended invitations to several countries, including Egypt, to attend the official inauguration ceremony scheduled for September 2025. This announcement has sparked widespread concern and disapproval in Egypt, particularly given the ongoing fears about the dam's potential negative impact on the country's historic share of Nile River water, which is Egypt's primary lifeline. In this Factsheet, we will shed light on the changes in Egypt's water resources since the first fill of the GERD in 2020. We will also highlight the efforts made by the Egyptian government to secure the country's water needs, chief among them the expansion of seawater desalination projects. The Nile River is Egypt's key source of freshwater, with 55.5 billion cubic meters (bcm), representing 93% of freshwater sources, followed by 2.5 bcm coming from deep groundwater, 1.3 bcm from rains, and 0.38 bcm from seawater desalination. In addition to natural water resources, Egypt treats water. In fiscal year (FY) 2023/24, the country produced 21.95 bcm by treating surface groundwater and wastewater. The number of water treatment stations in Egypt increased over the past five years from 2,742 in FY2019/20 to 2,795 in FY2023/24. This represents around 2% increase over the mentioned period. As a result of expanding water stations, clean water production grew by 5.2% from 110 bcm in FY2019/20 to 115.7 bcm in FY2023/24. Cairo came on top of clean water-producing governorates, with 1.9 bcm in FY2023/24. Water consumption hiked from 8.5 bcm in FY2019/20 to 9.1 bcm last year, recording 7% growth rate. Despite the increase in produced water, the per capita consumption declined from 110.1 cubic meters (m3) in FY2019/20 to 108.6 m3 in FY2023/24. Notably, in the past FY, the New Valley governorate had the highest per capita consumption with 359.3 m3. On the other hand, Minya governorate came last with a per capita of 55.9 m3. In FY2023/24, water consumed for agriculture irrigation hit 62.13 bcm or 76% of Egypt's water resources, followed by 11.48 bcm used for drinking, and 5.52 bcm in the industrial sector. To overcome the projected repercussions of the GRED, the Egyptian government expanded its plans for seawater desalination projects. Currently, Egypt has around 100 stations with a production capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters (mcm). © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Egypt Independent
4 days ago
- Politics
- Egypt Independent
Expert warns GERD's damage to Egypt's water share is at 90 billion cubic meters
Professor of Geology and Water Resources at Cairo University Abbas Sharaky warned that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has clearly harmed Egypt's share of Nile River water over the past five years, during which Ethiopia filled the reservoir of the dam. Sharaky explained in a post on his Facebook page: 'The damage is clear, with approximately 90 billion cubic meters being held back over five years, including 60 billion cubic meters stored in the lake, in addition to the loss of approximately 20-30 billion cubic meters due to evaporation and seepage into the ground.' He noted that Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty has reiterated Egypt's right to legitimately defend itself and its water interests if any harm occurs. 'What is meant here is that in the event of serious harm to citizens, the government cannot prevent it from reaching them, and this does not mean, as some understand, that Egypt has not been harmed by the GERD so far,' he explained. The state has been able to provide sufficient quantities of water thanks to the High Dam and some measures and projects that cost the general budget more than LE 500 billion during the years of filling the GERD, the expert said. Sharaky pointed out that these projects include agricultural wastewater treatment plants, limiting the area for rice cultivation, developing field irrigation, lining canals, replacing agricultural varieties with water-saving ones, and a 100,000-acre greenhouse project, among others. He added that Egypt has always emphasized that it is not against development in any country, especially the Nile headwaters, provided it does not harm others. Sharaky explained that there is clear cooperation with Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Tanzania on various projects, most notably the construction of the Julius Nyerere Dam in Tanzania. Hope for an agreement The expert explained that the door is still open to reach a binding legal agreement that sets rules for the recurrent filling and operation of the GERD – especially after the completion of the initial five-year filling, which was a major point of contention in previous negotiations over the filling period, and it is preferable for this agreement to be reached before the official opening. In response to Ethiopia's statements regarding the opening of the GERD in September and Egypt's invitation to attend the ceremony, Sharaky said that Egypt can only attend the opening if an agreement is reached. 'Anything other than that, the invitation to attend constitutes a disdain and provocation to Egypt and Sudan, and the Foreign Minister described it as absurd. Egypt also strongly rejects any future Ethiopian announcement to construct additional dams on the Nile River through unilateral decisions.'
