Asmara, 16 February 2010 - The strenuous endeavors being made by the Government towards expanding equitable electricity service in both rural and urban areas are bearing fruitful outcome, according to Mr. Samuel Baire, director general of the energy department in the Ministry of Energy and Mines.

He indicated that the provision of power supply in the country has increased by fivefold over the past 18 years since independence. In this connection, Mr. Samuel pointed out that more than 100 villages around the urban centers of Dekemhare, Adi-Keih, Keren, Barentu, Mendefera and Himbirti have already become beneficiaries of electricity service.

Also in line with the installation of the power plant in Hirgigo, a number of villages along the Asmara-Mendefera-Adi Quala route, Asmara-Dekemhare-Adi Keih route, and Asmara-Keren-Gizgiza have already got access to power supply. Concerted action is also being taken to link the line with the towns of Agordat, Barentu, Tessenei and Assab, he added. 

Noting that the demand of electricity service in the rural areas is quite high, Mr. Samuel said that solar energy-generated power supply is being installed in those areas where distribution of electric lines is difficult. He further indicated that 80% of power consumption is utilized for domestic purposes, and that various activities are underway to channel energy consumption to industrial development.