The Transmission Business sector of Ethiopian Electric Power has announced that preparations are underway to officially begin construction of the 132-kilovolt Gimbi-Tulu Kapi power transmission line and substation project.

The project was designed to provide electric power to the Tulu Kapi Gold Mining Company.

Ato Azaria Menasseh, the project office manager for the sector, stated that the project encompasses a 43-kilometer transmission line stretching from Gimbi to Tulu Kapi, the construction of one new substation, and expansion works at the existing Gimbi substation.

The manager noted that although an agreement was previously reached with China’s Sinohydro Corporation to carry out construction, equipment supply, and consultancy works, the contractor was unable to enter the site on time due to security problems.

Consequently, the construction and consultancy contract with the company was terminated and the project was handed over to the institution’s own Engineering and Construction Business.

Currently, discussions are being held with the gold mining company and other stakeholders to clear the area where the line passes from right-of-way issues and to receive the substation construction site from the gold mining company to officially launch the construction work.

Ato Azaria further explained that while waiting to take over the new construction site, the institution’s Construction Management Office is carrying out expansion works for outgoing lines at the existing Gimbi substation.

It was also pointed out that the electro-mechanical equipment required for the project has arrived in Addis Ababa through the supplier, Sinohydro Corporation.

Ato Habtamu Teshome, the manager of the Construction Management 1 Projects Office under the Engineering and Construction Business, stated that an agreement has been reached to complete the construction work within 13 months from the date of the site handover.

Ato Habtamu indicated that although the handover of the construction site has not yet been finalized, work started at the Gimbi substation on November 20, 2025, to complete the project in a short period.

The Gimbi-Tulu Kapi transmission line and substation project, which is being built in the West Wollega Zone, was designed to provide reliable electric power to the Tulu Kapi Gold Mine, but it will also enable power supply to Ganji Woreda and its surroundings while strengthening the national grid system.