Omo Kuraz I sugar factory conducting final test-run to begin production

Addis Ababa, December 13, 2016 (FBC) – The Omo Kuraz I sugar factory is conducting the final test-run to commence sugar production.

The construction of the factory was launched three years ago at a cost of 235 million US dollars. It is one of the four sugar factories planned to be built in South Omo Zone, SNNP Regional State.

The factory, which is being built by the Metals and Engineering Corporation (METEC), is at the final stage to conduct a test-run.

Currently, a pretrial is underway to let the factory enter into production phase, said Colonel Yohannes Tikisa, project manager of Omo Kuraz sugar factory.

He said testing the machines has been completed and the only things left are to computerize the whole process of the factory and to test the power supply system, he said.

In addition to sugar production, Omo Kuraz I sugar factory has the capacity to generate 45 megawatts. The factory will consume only 16 megawatts. The surplus power will be supplied to the national grid.

The factory is being built by Ethiopian professionals, except on the construction of its power generating section. Chinese professionals are partially participating in this section.

According to Colonel Yohannes, Omo Kuraz I sugar factory will begin sugar production in this Ethiopian fiscal year (2016/17).

The factory is one year behind schedule due to various reasons, it was noted.