The Operation and Maintenance Department of South 2 Region Transmission Lines and Substations of Ethiopian Electric Power has announced that it is carrying out proactive work to prevent the Ethio-Kenya High Power Transmission Line from being damaged by natural disasters.

Mr. Mulibharan Haddush, manager of the department’s power transmission line and fiber optic maintenance office, mentioned that it has been confirmed that some of the power-carrying poles of the line are vulnerable to flooding.

The manager pointed that preventive works are being carried out to prevent the poles from being damaged by floods.

Mr. Mulibharan said at present, Arbaminch, Gamo zone, around Shele mele wereda, where the transmission line passes, the work of soil erosion protection and flood control towers is being done to prevent the collapse of the power bearing pole, which is facing the threat of flooding.

The river was originally over 35 meters from the tower when it was built. However, heavy floods since October 2016 have significantly eroded the riverbank, bringing the river dangerously close to the tower. It is now only 3 to 4 meters away.

Construction of the critical 87-meter long, 5-meter high soil protection wall began in March 2016 after thorough research and design. While all necessary planning is complete and the region is working diligently, unforeseen dry weather conditions have unfortunately hindered timely completion.

According to the manager, in addition to the work that is currently being done, four more power transmission line bearing poles that are vulnerable to flooding have been identified on the line and various works are being done to prevent the problem from spreading.