Project overview
In August 2019, Kutehjumble was contracted by Little Star Company Ltd to carry out the relocation of both Medium Voltage (MV) and Low Voltage (LV) power lines at Saro, The Gambia. The project required careful planning, coordination, and execution to safely decommission the existing line routes and re-establish them along new alignments — ensuring continuity of power supply and full compliance with electrical safety standards throughout the process.
Relocating live electrical infrastructure demands precision, safety discipline, and deep technical knowledge. Kutehjumble managed this project from survey to commissioning, delivering a safe and efficient line relocation that met the client’s operational requirements without disruption to the surrounding community.
MV vs LV — what was relocated
Medium voltage (MV)
Primary distribution line
MV lines typically operate at voltages between 1 kV and 36 kV and form the backbone of the distribution network. Relocating MV infrastructure involves high-precision structural and electrical work, including pole or tower repositioning, conductor re-stringing, and insulator replacement.
Low voltage (LV)
Secondary distribution line
LV lines operate at below 1 kV and deliver power directly to end users. The LV relocation at Saro involved re-routing service cables, adjusting pole positions, and re-terminating all consumer connections along the new alignment.
Scope of work
- Site survey & route planning — Assessment of the existing MV and LV line routes, identification of the new alignment at Saro, and preparation of a relocation plan.
- Safety isolation & permits — Coordination with the relevant utility authority for safe isolation of the live network, obtaining all necessary permits to work before commencing physical activities.
- Decommissioning of existing lines — Safe removal of conductors, cables, and associated hardware from the original MV and LV line routes in preparation for relocation.
- Pole erection & structure installation — Setting of new poles and supporting structures along the approved relocation route, including foundation work and pole planting.
- Conductor stringing & termination — Re-stringing of MV conductors and LV cables on the new alignment, including proper tensioning, clamping, and termination at both ends.
- Consumer reconnection — Reinstatement of all low-voltage service connections to consumers along the new route, ensuring uninterrupted supply upon energisation.
- Testing & commissioning — Post-installation testing of the relocated MV and LV lines, including insulation resistance checks and energisation under supervision, followed by formal handover to Little Star Company Ltd.
Key activities at a glance
Route redesign
New MV and LV alignments planned and surveyed to meet client and regulatory requirements at Saro.
Safe isolation
Full network isolation and permit-to-work procedures observed before any physical works commenced.
Pole installation
New poles erected and set at correct positions and depths along the relocated line corridors.
Conductor stringing
MV and LV conductors re-strung on the new alignment to specified tension and clearance standards.
Consumer reinstatement
All affected LV service connections reinstated and verified before final energisation.
Commissioning & handover
Lines tested, energised, and formally handed over to the client upon satisfactory completion.
Project highlights
About the client
Little Star Company Ltd is a Gambian business that engaged Kutehjumble for this critical infrastructure relocation project at Saro. The successful completion of the MV and LV line relocation ensured that Little Star Company Ltd’s operations and surrounding properties could proceed without electrical infrastructure conflicts, with power reliably restored along the new line routes.
