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23 January 2007
ADDIS ABABA - Construction of a 460 mega watt hydroelectric power project was officially launched here yesterday in Belesa locality of Achefer Woreda in Amhara State in the presence of President Girma Wolde-Giorgis.
The project, the largest hydroelectric plant to be launched in the country, is being constructed with 6.6 billion birr allocated by the government.
The project would be constructed by harnessing water from Lake Tana.
Speaking at the launching ceremony, President Girma said the project would have a significant contribution for the enhancement of the all-round development endeavour well underway in the country.
He said the construction of the huge project shows how government gives special attention to the development of hydroelectric power to have access to electricity.
Speaking on his part Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation General Manager Mihret Debebe said the project is expected to be finalized within 39 months.
He said the construction of the project would help increase the corporation’s power supply significantly.
The project, whose 20 per cent of the construction work has already been finalized, would be completed as scheduled, he said.
He said launching of five giant electric power project is new not only to the country but also to Africa.
Zopes, Director of Salini Contractor, which is constructing the project, said on the occasion that the construction of the project is in progress.
He said the project would have a significant importance in bringing about speedy development.
Zopes expressed appreciation to the Ethiopian government for its collaboration with Salini Construction.
Ministers and invited guests attended the launching ceremony.
(ENA)