A shortage of funding is limiting Electricidade de Moçambique's (EDM) ability to scale up interventions designed to adapt its infrastructure to the impacts of climate change, according to Samuel Gazite, the utility's Project Manager for Disaster and Risk Reduction.
Gazite explained that EDM has been pursuing a preventive approach, intervening on infrastructure identified as exposed to risk before extreme weather events occur. "We have been carrying out some interventions where we need, at the very least, to adapt our infrastructure so that it remains safe before the rainy seasons arrive," he said.
According to Gazite, EDM has already completed a mapping exercise covering infrastructure classified as high- and medium-risk across different regions of the country. Among the assets identified are energy transmission towers and distribution networks located in low-lying areas, some of which have already been affected by rising water levels.
"At present, a number of towers have been mapped as at risk — in the southern, central, and northern zones — as well as distribution networks located in low-lying areas that are now practically submerged," he said.
Gazite also highlighted the case of a line serving the district of Massingir, whose infrastructure has been repeatedly affected by extreme weather events. With the support of a partner, EDM is in the process of rerouting the line, as the surrounding area has effectively become a waterway.
"At the moment, with the support of one of our partners, we are rerouting this line, because the area has practically turned into a watercourse," he explained.
The intervention is expected to involve the construction of approximately 30 kilometres of line, with the aim of adapting the infrastructure ahead of the next rainy season. Gazite cautioned, however, that the scale of the interventions required remains constrained by available financing.
"We are facing some challenges related to funding," he said.
The financing concern arises as EDM seeks to embed climate resilience measures across the expansion, maintenance, and rehabilitation of the electricity network. The company considers that extreme weather events can affect not only transmission and distribution lines, but also substations and other components of the power system.
Gazite therefore advocated for a preventive approach, to avoid a situation in which the utility's response is limited to repairing damage after floods, cyclones, or other extreme events have already occurred. For Gazite, anticipating risks and adapting the network before disasters strike is essential to ensuring continuity of electricity supply.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=536361
