PDS invests GHC15 million in service upgrade in Volta/Oti

Power Distribution Services (PDS), Ghana has invested a total of GH¢15,602,152.03 on service upgrading in the Volta and Oti regions.

The investment, done between January and May this year, is to extend supply to remote communities and improve existing networks.

The Service undertook major system upgrades and project expansions which included low voltage extensions and also transformer injections and replacements in the eleven operational districts of PDS in the regions within the period.

Mr Delali Oklu, General Manager, PDS, Volta/Oti regions, in a news brief to the media said a total of GH¢11, 472,069.29 was spent on 23 major development projects in all the eleven operational districts.

Some of the projects include upgrading the 33KV Nkonya feeder from Alavanyo Dzogbedze to Akplamafu, creating a link from Gbi-Akplamafu to Gbi-Wegbe and creating a separate mini hydro dam at Alavanyo Abeheniase.

Mr Oklu also said 36 low voltage extension works were carried out to serve some communities without electricity at the cost of GH¢3,044,717.89, and that works carried out included planting of poles and stringing of low voltage lines.

Mr Jones Makumator, Volta/Oti Regional Engineer said eight transformer injection works costing GH¢692,260.95 were carried out to manage the capacity of some overloaded transformers for improved voltage profile and to enhance the quality of supply to customers.

] He said the Service had also spent GH¢393,103.9 on replacing burnt and damaged transformers, caused by lightening.

Mr Makumator said unlawful entry into electricity networks and illegal connections had caused damage to transformers in communities like Fodome Helo, Liati Wote, Dzorgbekope, Barracks Newtown, Akorme Gbogame, Toviga, Dodo Amanfrom Market, Kwame Akura and Nyagbo Sroe.

He warned the public to desist from such illegalities, because they were criminal offences punishable by law.

Mr Makumator said the Service was supporting the fight against bush fires, and was taking measures to protect power poles and pylons from all harmful effects.

Mr. Emmanuel Ankorah, the Projects Engineer mentioned Dzodze, Penyi, Ahamasu, Kpando Darfour, Sovie, Peki Dzake, Poase Cement, Dadiase, Kpando, Tadzinu and Gbi Akplamafu as some localities benefiting from the new projects

He hinted of plans to invest more to make electricity network robust and efficient, especially during rainstorms.