Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has invested more than 150 million birr to address electricity supply demands for residents living around the Wolaita Sodo Converter Station, according to the station’s manager.
The Manager of the converter station, Habtamu Girma, stated that the institution’s efforts to expand electricity access to 12 kebeles in Sodo City have significantly improved community satisfaction.
He explained that, out of the more than 250 million birr allocated for the electrification of the kebeles, 60 percent (over 150 million birr) was covered by Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), while the remaining 40 percent was financed by Ethiopian Electric Utility (EEU).
Habtamu noted that the electrification project is expected to play a vital role in alleviating the economic and social challenges previously faced by residents in the area.
Residents from Waja Kero and Wereza Lasho kebeles in the Arada sub-city of Sodo expressed their appreciation to the two institutions for responding to their long-standing electricity supply needs.
Among them, Abinet Yigezu and Tesfanesh Wolde, a teacher and residents of Waja Kero kebele, stated that access to electricity has enabled them to obtain essential social services closer to their homes, including grain milling services that previously required long-distance travel.
They also noted that electricity access has allowed them to adopt more modern lifestyles, engage with technology, and significantly ease their daily living conditions, thereby reducing long-standing economic and social hardships.
Similarly, Isayas Gebremikael and Mengistu Negatu, business operators from Wereza Lasho kebele, highlighted that improved electricity access has not only created employment opportunities but also enabled them to modernize their business operations, reduce unnecessary costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
A student resident, Lidiya Bundansa, recalled that before the electrification of the area, she used to study using a kerosene lamp, which negatively affected her academic performance. She noted that access to electricity has now enabled her to improve her studies and compete more effectively with her peers. The residents also affirmed that they will take responsibility for safeguarding the power infrastructure, recognizing the significant contribution made by the two institutions in supporting the local community.
