Electricidade de Moçambique (EDM) announced that it has already restored the electricity supply in 10 of the 19 districts affected by Cyclone Jude in the provinces of Nampula and Zambézia.
The preliminary survey shows that the bad weather caused the collapse of two high-voltage towers, the destruction of 48 kilometres of medium-voltage lines and 26 kilometres of low-voltage lines, as well as the damage to six transformer stations, according to a statement from the company.
The chairman of EDM’s board of directors, Joaquim Ou-chim, visited Nampula province on Friday 14 March to monitor the progress of the work to restore the electricity grid. During his visit, he said that despite the progress made, the conclusion of the repairs will depend on access conditions to the affected areas.
‘The replacement work is expected to be completed in 15 days. However, this deadline depends on access conditions, since the roads have been cut in some places, making it difficult to mobilise the equipment,’ he said.
To speed up the restoration of power, EDM has reinforced its work teams and mobilised six emergency towers, which are on their way to Nacala, as well as other materials and accessories.
The estimated cost of restoring the preliminary power grid is 100 million meticals. According to Joaquim Ou-chim, the damaged infrastructure was already showing significant wear and tear due to its longevity.
‘Most of the poles that were damaged are more than 15 years old and no longer have much capacity to withstand cyclones,’ he explained.
During the visit, Joaquim Ou-chim appealed to the population not to vandalise the electrical equipment, in order to ensure that the materials can be reused in the work to replace the network.
