The test and commissioning activities for the Dejen 230 KV substation project are about to begin soon, as stated by the project’s electro-mechanical works coordinator.
Mr. Tesfamikael Asefa, in his role as the project coordinator, noted that the ongoing construction of the Dejen substation includes both a 63 MVA transformer and a 50 MVA transformer, resulting in a total capacity of 90 MW.
Moreover, he stressed that over 87 percent of the electro mechanical tasks for the substation have been completed.
The outstanding tasks, which were delayed due to supply issues of construction materials, will be addressed simultaneously with the test and commissioning activities, he added.
Mr. Tesfamikael indicated that the test and commissioning process for the substation will commence shortly.
They are striving to finalize both the construction and inspection tasks and are prepared to energize the substation within this fiscal year.
Mr. Million Tamirat, overseeing civil works at the site, reported that 83 percent of the civil construction work for the switchyard has been finished.
Additionally, the overall civil work for the substation, which includes housing construction, has reached 65 percent completion.
The manager stated that construction activities for the switchyard fence, external sewerage system, employee housing, and internal roads of the substation are currently underway.
He announced that the construction works of 1.7 km concrete road that will connect the substation with the main road and the covering of switchyard with gravel will be constructed next.
In related updates, Endale Lakew, the project’s coordinator, mentioned that the Dejen-Debre Markos transmission line, a component of the Dejen substation project, has reached 86 percent completion.
The coordinator stated that out of the 111 towers slated for installation on the line, 98 have already been installed. Moreover, 40 towers for stringing the transmission line have been completed.
The officials noted that security threats, shortages of cement and steel, and delays in the supply of electro-mechanical equipment continued to pose challenges in the construction work of the project.
To complete the remaining tasks, it is essential to address issues related to the supply of goods and security.
Mr. Mohammad Shikur, the manager of the transmission lines and substations construction program, on his part acknowledged the issues encountered in the project have hindered its completion as per the schedule.
He mentioned that various measures have been undertaken to address these problems.
Currently, the shortage of cement and steel has been resolved, and the remaining electro-mechanical equipment required for the project is expected to be delivered by the beginning of May.
The overall progress of the project stands at 87.5 percent. Upon completion, it will significantly contribute to providing reliable electricity to Dejan city, as well as its surrounding districts and industries.
The construction of the Dejen-Debre Markos power transmission line and substation project, undertaken with a budget exceeding one billion birr, is being managed by the Own Force Department.
Power China is involved in supplying construction materials or goods for the project.
