Addis Ababa, August 13(ENA)--The construction of the Tekeze Hydroelectric Power (HEP) project was officially launched on Monday at a cost of over 3.1 billion Birr.

State Minister of Infrastructure, Haile Assegide, said on the occasion that the HEP project has the capacity of generating 300 mega watts of electric power.

Upon going operational, the project would raise the electricity supply of the nation by two-fold, Haile said.

The State Minister said an eight-year study was conducted to launch the project, which he said is part of the 25-year master plan designed to develop the Tekeze basin.

Apart from the Tekeze hydro electric power project, the government has also plans to construct four other HEP projects over the next five years, Haile said.

He said the Gilgel Gibe hydroelectric power project would also start operation next June.

Chinese Construction Minister, Mr. Wang Guangtao said on his part that the HEP project would be undertaken by one Ethiopian and two Chinese companies.

The construction work would be finalized in five years time, according to the Minister.

Ethiopian Electric Power Corporation manager, Mihret Debebe also said upon its completion the project would enable to electrify 60 to 70 towns every year.

Meanwhile, head of the Tigray State Council and the Chinese Construction Minister inaugurated a 38-km road that interconnects the Tekeze HEP project with various towns of the state.

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