The newly appointed AES-SONEL Regional Delegate for Douala, Auguste Bassega Ba Njel, has been installed into office. He was installed last Wednesday 12 November 2008 by the General Manager, Brian Rich. Speaking during the installation, Brian Rich indicated that the Douala Urban region is the leading region of AES-SONEL. He said Douala accounts for 45% of AES-SONEL’s turnover, having 145.000 regular customers. According to him, when Douala breathes, AES-SONEL is alive.
Considering these facts, Brian Rich reminded Auguste Bassega that he is bound to his mission, which should have no other result but success. He called on all and sundry to lend him a helping hand to enable him accomplish this Herculean task. He added that it was observed that 30% of transformers were overloaded and that at the end recent measures were taken on over 600 distribution substations in the city.
The GM revealed that there was the proliferation of pirate networks that are unsafe for persons and goods. Other big problems of safety include illegal installation of people and houses under their High Voltage lines. As to what promotes these mal-practises the GM remarked that it is due to their delays in the treatment of new-connection requests and the upgrading of their currently overloaded transformers.
The GM revealed that in the months ahead, FCFA 3 billion will be devoted to the rehabilitation of their facilities in the city of Douala.
“Safety remains one of the major concerns we hold dearly. Some city dwellers are building under our high-voltage lines, at their own risk and perils, thereby violating the safety corridor granted by the state to AES-SONEL”, He reiterated.
Talking about challenges as regards main networks, the GM outlined that solutions retained include the reinforcement of weak sections on overhead lines and underground cables, repair of disconnecting appliances, and removal or rehabilitation of MV/LV substations. As regards MV/LV supply networks, the solution retained includes mainly the installation of density of “pirate networks”. Generally, these operations relating to the installation of substations are accompanied by the construction of LV networks in order to serve long connections or reach potential customers who are supplied by pirate connections.
“Some of these operations are being executed, others have been completed and in the days ahead, the remaining work will be tackled. Reason why, CFA 2.8 Billion of ongoing investment in Douala distribution networks have been initiated”, he said.
Talking about successes in his 40 days at the helm of the company, the GM informed the public about the acquisition of a new tractor for the Bafoussam wood-pole treatment station, and three motorcycles purchased for Buea to enhance their meter-reading and recovery operations.
Concerning a purported strike action initially announced, the GM recalled that going on strike will, however, be a ridiculous decision that will neither serve the interest of workers and their families nor the interest of the other parties present. He called on employees to go about their activities in a serene manner.
“I have set out to work and I am asking those who are not convinced of my words to judge me by the quality of my actions”, the GM concluded.
To improve the quality of clientele service, the General Manager revealed that a face lift shall be given its agencies so as to provide the public maximum satisfaction.
Auguste Bassega Ba Njel is age 47 years. He is married and a father of five children. Before his appointment, he has been assuming interim since 2005 as regional head for Bafoussam. Later he was confirmed as regional head for South West, North West before been moved to head the Centre, South and East. In March 2007, he wash re-appointed to head the South West and North West while residing in Bafoussam A post he occupied until his recent appointment as regional head for Douala.
He is a graduate from the University of Yaounde and Ecole Polytechnique in Montréal Canada in civil engineering. He joined the AES-SONEL team in 1985 as a trainee engineer. Views: 94 | Tell a Friend
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The newly appointed AES-SONEL Regional Delegate for Douala, Auguste Bassega Ba Njel, has been installed into office. He was installed last Wednesday 12 November 2008 by the General Manager, Brian Rich.
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