The construction of the 132 kV Gende Arba substation has surpassed 85 percent completion in its civil works, with efforts underway to finalize the project within the planned timeframe, Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has announced.
The substation is being developed to ensure a reliable power supply for the Bulbula Integrated Agro-Processing Industrial Park, a key industrial initiative in the area.
According to the project’s Civil Works Coordinator, Mr. Geremew Wolde Mariam, the agreement to supply electricity to the industrial park was signed four years ago. However, progress was delayed due to foreign currency shortages at the time.
He noted that the remaining civil works include the construction of internal access roads and the completion of control buildings, as well as residential facilities for operational staff.
In parallel, significant progress has been made in connecting the substation to the national grid. Out of the 12 steel towers required to link the facility to the 132 kV Adami Tulu–Shashemene transmission line, 11 have already been erected, with installation of the final tower expected next week. This will pave the way for the commencement of conductor stringing works.
The project’s Electro-Mechanical Works Coordinator, Mr. Ketemaw Markos, confirmed that electro-mechanical installation is progressing well.
He stated that the substation will be equipped with two transformers, each with a capacity of 50 MVA, noting that installation has already commenced, with assembly and testing phases to follow.
Most of the required electro-mechanical equipment has already been delivered to the site, while efforts are ongoing to transport the remaining materials from the Port of Djibouti.
Once the installation of towers and transformers is completed, work will proceed to connect internal lines to the control system.
Mr. Yishak Ibrahim, Site Manager at Sinohydro Corporation, the project contractor, stated that the company is working to deliver the project on schedule and in accordance with the required quality standards.
However, he indicated that seasonal rainfall and delays in the delivery of electro-mechanical equipment have posed challenges, affecting the pace of construction.
The transmission line stringing works are being carried out by Ethiopian Electric Power’s Construction Management Directorate.
