By our staff reporter
The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has encountered challenges in carrying out power transfer and operation maintenance works on time due to compensation claims related to border enforcement. The Department of Operation and Maintenance of South West Region Transmission Lines and Distribution Stations highlighted that boundary enforcement has become a significant obstacle in their operational and maintenance activities.
Compensation claims arising in areas where transmission lines pass are impeding the timely execution of operation and maintenance tasks. The inspection and maintenance work on the transmission lines, including those extending from Jimma Zone to Gambella in the Southwest Region, is becoming increasingly challenging due to these compensation claims.
Director of the department, Getahun Sisay, explained, “Compensation claims filed in areas traversed by the transmission lines are hindering the timely completion of operation and maintenance work.” Moreover, the theft of tower components in various areas along the transmission lines is seen as a threat to the region’s operations.
Efforts are needed to address both the compensation claims and the theft issue in order to ensure smooth power transfer and maintenance activities for the Ethiopian Electric Power.
Getahun highlighted the recurring theft incidents along the Gibe 2 – Wolaita Sodo route, emphasizing that these thefts have shown a declining trend over the past three months. This positive development can be attributed to the collaborative efforts undertaken with administrative bodies.
However, Getahun expressed concern regarding the ongoing thefts on the Metu-Bedele and Metu-Gambela lines, as these incidents remain unresolved and pose a threat to operational work. Although power interruptions have not occurred due to theft on the lines thus far, continued theft incidents on these two lines could potentially lead to future power disruptions.
In order to address the issue of border enforcement effectively, discussions are being conducted with administrative bodies at all levels. The aim is to find sustainable solutions and mitigate the challenges posed by theft in the Ethiopian power sector.
