EEP awards contract to Chinese company to build Awash-Woldia railway power line

Addis Ababa, June 20, 2020 (FBC) –The Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) has signed an agreement with Pinggao Group Co.,Ltd for the construction of a high voltage power transmission line at the Awash Woldia/Hara Gebeya railway project.

The agreement was signed by Ashebir Balcha, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of EEP and Zhai Yanbin, Overseas Marketing Director at the Chinese company.

According to the agreement, Pinggao Group, a wholy-owned subsidiary of State Grid Corporation of China, will build 230/132KV high voltage power transmission line at a cost of $11.5 million, which will be fully funded by the Ethiopian government.

Taking into consideration the significance of the project to the country, the Chief Executive Officer urged the Chinese company to finalize the construction of the power line as per schedule and with the required quality.

Awash Woldia/Hara Gebeya railway project that stretches 206km will be finalized within the coming 12 months, according to a Facebook post by the Ethiopian Electric Power.

Commenced five years ago, the railway project is being constructed between Awash and Woldia. It will play an active and significant role in connecting the northern region of the country with the central part.

It will also link the country’s northern and eastern transportation networks.