The site manager of the Ethio-Kenya Power System Interconnection Project stated that the project is engaged in rehabilitation efforts and social responsibility initiatives aimed at promoting development.

Mr. Tewodros Ayalew, the site manager for the project, reported that compensation has been given to 54 landholders from the district near Sodo, where the Ethio-Kenya converter station has been constructed.

He mentioned that the construction site was previously used as grazing land for the landholders’ cattle.

Consequently, along with providing compensation, an animal feed processing factory for cattle and chickens was established at a cost of over 33 million birr to assist in the resettlement of the landholders.

He stated that the feed processing plant is expected to be completed within two months and will be handed over to the landholders, who have been organized into an association for ownership and management.

Mr. Tewodros mentioned that once the factory is completed, it will have the capacity to produce 1.8 tons of animal feed and 1.2 tons of chicken feed per hour. This output is expected to play a vital role in addressing the feed shortage in the region and supporting the landholders.

Additionally, he revealed that the converter station, which cost over 160 million birr, has supplied electricity to the local community within a radius of up to four kilometers.

The manager noted that the local community’s involvement with the project is growing as a result of the rehabilitation and social responsibility initiatives. He explained that this increased sense of ownership has led to a decrease in the theft of electricity infrastructure in the region.
Priest Arka Abate, a landholder, stated that they received compensation for their displacement from their land due to the construction of the project.

To take ownership and manage the feed processing plant being constructed by the project for sustainable development initiatives, the displaced landholders have formed an association and expressed their eagerness for the project’s completion.

Priest Arka expressed gratitude for the project’s commitment to resettling the displaced landholders and for its efforts to ensure that the local community has access to electricity.