The Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) stressed that the organization’s leadership must strive to bring about fundamental change in the power development sector.
CEO Engineer Ashebir Balcha made this statement at a forum where the organization evaluated the Generation and Transmission Business Sectors’ first quarter performance for the 2018/2025 budget year. He noted that the organization has implemented a structural reform and begun work to bring fundamental change in the sector by improving project execution and streamlining operation works.
The CEO pointed out that EEP’s main mission is to ensure reliable power access for users by safeguarding the existing system, in addition to constructing new power infrastructure projects.
However, he stated that the leadership’s failure to plan in a coordinated manner, work collaboratively, and properly manage resources is causing delays in the organization’s projects. He further explained that deficiencies observed in the quarterly performance of operations and projects led to power interruptions and exposed the institution to additional costs.
According to Engineer Ashebir, a gap in building the capacity of professionals and establishing accountability has put a significant strain on operation works. Therefore, he urged the organization’s leadership to work collaboratively and with a sense of urgency to expand revenue options, initiate new projects, and ensure that those under construction are completed on time for smooth operation work. He also emphatically stated that extensive capacity-building efforts must be undertaken to fill the existing gap in developing a skilled workforce within the organization.
Furthermore, he explained the necessity of establishing a strong working system to safeguard the transformers operating within power distribution substations.
The CEO also mentioned that renewal and reconstruction works at power generation stations must be carried out based on a plan, and he underscored that the leadership must work with responsibility and commitment, including generating and implementing new ideas.
He noted that the regions, as the ambassadors of the organization, are expected to work closely with local government administrations.
Engineer Ashebir highlighted that unused scrap metal and materials found in projects and stations are becoming a source of theft, and he stated that the work of properly recording, organizing, and disposing of these materials must be done immediately.
The CEO also pointed out significant gaps related to information management, report presentation, coordination in workflow, and resource utilization. He instructed the sectors to plan and execute an action program to rectify these and other problems observed during the quarter.