The Salamago Woreda administration stated that the Shigdan 230/132/33 kV high-voltage power substation and transmission line project will solve the long-standing electricity demand requests of the Woreda and its residents.

Mr. Simeon Ermias, advisor to the woreda administrator, said that various areas within the Woreda, including Hana Mursi town; the seat of Salamago Woreda, are without electricity power which is negatively impacting the economic and social activities of the local community.

He said that the lack of electric power is forcing investors to move to other areas instead of investing in the area, and investors who have obtained investment permits have been unable to begin their operations.

Mr. Simeon specified that since the construction of the Shigdan substation and transmission line project began, investors have been requesting to operate in the area; this enhances investment and tourism activity in the future.

According to the advisor, the project’s construction not only creates job opportunities for residents but will also help to organize the local youth and involve them in various sectors upon completion.

Currently, the project’s construction work is accelerating, and monitoring and support are being provided in the areas where the line passes. Four technical teams are set up at the woreda level to avoid any problems in the work, he added.

The advisor assured that the community and the Woreda will continue to strengthen their support for the project as it will bring the community out of its current state of darkness.

Salamago woreda is one of six woredas in the South Omo Zone of the Southern Ethiopia Region, and Hana Mursi town, the seat of the woreda, is located 880 kilometers from Addis Ababa.