Karuma dam project back on course

By Edward Anyoli

The second interim order that was filed at the Nakawa High Court, blocking Karuma bidding process has been withdrawn.

Twine Muganga, who filed the order as a concerned citizen, citing irregularities in the process on Tuesday dropped his case.

He consequently signed a consent order with Attorney General, allowing the process to go ahead.

A separate interim order filed by Salini was recently dismissed by Justice Eldad Mwagushya who said the order lacked merit.

“Should any of the bidders be dissatisfied or aggrieved by the procurement process, the bidder shall be at liberty to file his or her complaint by way of administrative review before the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development and the same shall be handled in accordance with the law prior to the opening of the financial bids,” the consent order dated October 22, signed by Attorney General Peter Nyombi and Twine Muganga, reads in part.

The lifting of the second interim order means that the bidding process can now go on without interference.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development is to also extend the bidding process, which is due to expire on October 26, to three more months to allow the bidders to continue with the process.

Salini filed an interim order blocking the process of Karuma Hydro Power dam construction on grounds that the $2.2m project is marred with irregularities.

The High Court last month ruled that the disputes can be resolved through an administrative process without necessarily blocking the process with an interim order.

The sh4.2b proposed 600-megawatt Karuma Hydropower Project will become the single biggest power dam in the East Africa region when complete.

It is the least cost solution to address the short, medium and long term electricity shortage in Uganda.It will deliver electricity at sh180 per unit.