As part of the implementation of the agreement for lasting peace through permanent cessation of hostilities, the Government of Ethiopia is delivering on its commitment to restoring services across Tigray Region. Now that the peace agreement has provided the required guarantee for the safety of service operators, the government could repair services in all towns in Tigray and the neighbouring Amhara and Afar Regions.
It is to be well recalled that the restoration of services started in some secured parts of the region even before the signing of the agreement. Repair works on major electricity substations connecting the Region to the national grid have been going on. Eight power substations, including the Mekelle distribution station, have been reconnected to the national grid, and thus electricity service will be fully restored in all parts of Tigray within two months.
Telecom services have resumed in areas where power connection has been re-established. So far, sixty-five telecom stations have come into operation, hence cities in the region including Mekelle have regained telecom services. The CEO of Ethio Telecom, Firehiwot Tamiru confirmed that 981 kilometres of fibre damaged during the conflict were repaired by the company. The CEO further confirmed that 61 bank branches have been put into operation following the restoration of telecom service. On this score, the government welcomes the readiness of partners to contribute to this reconstruction effort.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, London, UK.
