The replacement of all obsolete underground lines will begin in April 2024. The cost of this activity amounts to 200 million USD. However, defective poles supporting electrical cables can still be seen.
Ibrahim Uwizeye, Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines: “The replacement of all obsolete underground lines will begin in April 2024, starting with the Bujumbura network even if the budget is not available. »
After analyzing the bill amending law no. 1/12 of April 23, 2015 reorganizing the electricity sector, Burundian senators unanimously adopted the bill aimed at promoting the liberalization of the electricity sector. electricity by allowing the private sector to invest in the electricity distribution and marketing network.
This project was presented on Wednesday February 7, 2024 by Ibrahim Uwizeye, the Minister of Hydraulics, Energy and Mines. So. Uwizeye indicated that until today, the country’s electrification rate is 15.3% and that with the adoption of this bill, it will be at least 70% in 2030.
Asked about the rehabilitation of dilapidated power lines, Minister Uwizeye specified that the ministry needs 200 million USD to rehabilitate them. In the general State budget, fiscal year 2023-2024, the amount allocated to this ministry amounts to more than forty-eight billion Burundian francs (48,615,385,723 FBu). However, the amount intended for the rehabilitation of obsolete power lines is not included.
Outdated electrical networks cause damage and losses for businesses, factories, hair salons, welders, cafeterias, etc. Production becomes insufficient and some families suffer greatly due to untimely power cuts.
However, Minister Uwizeye specified that the replacement of all obsolete underground lines will begin in April 2024, starting with the Bujumbura network even if the budget is not available.
Classic wooden utility poles are seen
In March 2021, Regideso began a campaign to replace all defective electricity poles. In certain localities, there are new poles. But in other places, wooden poles supporting electrical cables can still be seen and can cause danger to the population. Jean Albert Manigomba, general director of Regideso, announced that all low and medium voltage poles will be replaced by metal and reinforced concrete poles.
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