Construction of Nyagak power dam to resume

Aug 05, 2010

The Government has re-launched the construction of the Nyagak mini-hydropower dam located 4km from Paidha town in Zombo district.

By Ronald Kalyango

The Government has re-launched the construction of the Nyagak mini-hydropower dam located 4km from Paidha town in Zombo district.

The work on the $10m (sh20b) dam, to be undertaken by Spencon Services, is expected to last nine months.

“The funds are available and a competent contractor has been given the assignment,” Simon D’Ujanga, the energy state minister, said.

He was on Tuesday launching the construction works at Ngiya village.

D’Ujanga said the 3.5MW dam, was first launched by President Yoweri Museveni in 2006 and the Government invested over $6m (sh12b).

The project is run by the West Nile Rural Electrification Company, which currently runs a heavy fuel thermal generator station in Arua and serves the region with 18 hours of power per day.

D’Ujanga said after negotiations with different development partners, the Government got a grant from the German government.

He explained that the Government would contribute 10% of the required funds and, therefore, be a shareholder in the Nyagak hydropower plant.

The deputy permanent secretary, Kabagambe Kaliisa, said they had received funds to conduct a feasibility study for a 132KV line from Lira to Nebbi and Arua districts next year. The move is aimed at connecting the region to the main grid.

He also noted that in the short term, extensions at 33KV are to be built from Nebbi to Pakwach. Others will cover Parombo and Panyamur sub-counties.

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