Supporting Econet Wireless Zimbabwe’s efforts to save on OPEX costs, Likusasa designed a suite of initiatives which improved operational control of the network and substantially reduced operations and maintenance costs.

Site security was enhanced with hardened fences and cages for generators and fuel tank. A fuel management system was installed to monitor refueling, fuel contamination, and fuel usage.  Where utility connections were available these were provided with power conditioning to improve availability.

For selected sites, deep cycling batteries were installed to optimise generator run-time and fuel usage, and to provide 48 hours of autonomy. On these sites, site power usage was initially reduced with passive cooling of the equipment shelter to supplement air-conditioning.

The Kentrox remote site management system is also being installed on 450 sites to provide fuel management, site alarm monitoring, and power management. The site telemetry is available at the NOC for improved operational control and reporting.

These initiatives are currently being installed and project completion is planned for April 2012.