Africa-Press – Ethiopia. The Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU) has launched a comprehensive infrastructure project aimed at ensuring a reliable power supply in Addis Ababa and Sheger cities.
A major distribution line reconstruction and capacity upgrading initiative is currently underway to strengthen the reliability of the electric power network in the two cities.
The project involves reconstructing and enhancing outgoing lines from substations to improve the quality of the distribution network, alongside the installation of 62 load break switches designed to manage power consumption beyond authorized limits.
The upgraded lines are being constructed with concrete poles and insulated cables, making them more resilient to hazards and capable of long-term service.
Kidist Lakew, Head of the Addis Ababa Distribution Rehabilitation Phase 4 Project, told ENA that the project primarily focuses on renovating the power network and ensuring line reliability.
The project includes the installation of 2,000 new transformers of various capacities and the capacity upgrading of another 2,000 existing transformers, she said.
She further explained that outputs previously managed by fuses will now be transitioned to distribution boxes, significantly reducing line interruptions.
Approximately 673 kilometers of lines will be replaced in Addis Ababa and Sheger cities, including the replacement of bare wires with insulated ones to eliminate power outages.
“These works are expected to drastically reduce power interruptions and substantially increase the speed of power restoration,” she added.
Kidist further emphasized that upon completion, the project will guarantee a reliable power supply for both Addis Ababa and Sheger cities.
Hu Wiming, Deputy Manager of China Energy Group, highlighted the collaborative effort to keep the project on schedule.
“Plans are in place to complete this swiftly; as we can see, we are currently performing the most difficult task of erecting the electric poles. Once the poles are in place, the remaining work will involve connection and testing. We are fully committed to completing this project within the current year,” he said.
Areaya Getahun, Site Engineer for Lot 1 of the project, reported that three sites in the Eastern Region have already been completed.
He confirmed that work continues across remaining areas to ensure the entire project is finalized according to the set timeline.
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