Umeme upgrades network
Apr 28, 2007
REFURBISHMENT of the power distribution network was flagged off on Thursday at Kikajjo, a Kampala suburb. The state minister for energy, Eng. Simon D’ Ujanga, commissioned the $100m (about sh175b) four-year countrywide project.
By Patrick Jaramogi
REFURBISHMENT of the power distribution network was flagged off on Thursday at Kikajjo, a Kampala suburb. The state minister for energy, Eng. Simon D’ Ujanga, commissioned the $100m (about sh175b) four-year countrywide project.
He said the investment would address the issue of improved service delivery.
“My appeal to the residents is to jealously guard these installations from vandalism because in the end it will lead to safer networks and more voltage for Umeme customers,†he said.
He urged the public to use energy-saving tips and reiterated the Government’s support to Umeme.
Paul Mare, the Umeme general manager, said the project would involve replacement and addition of transformers on the system as well as the strengthening of wires and replacement of rotten poles.
“In the next five years we shall fix all the networks. above all, Umeme is passionate about safety. The reports of loss of lives of children due to contact with live conductors will cease after this.â€
Mare explained that the refurbishment started in Najjanakumbi since it recorded the highest power losses in the country.
He said the work in Najjanakumbi would last six months, after which residents will cease to have low voltage power, blackouts and excessive load shedding.
The plant and equipment worth $15m includes 3,150 poles, 118 distribution transformers, 335,000m of conductors as well as six power transformers.
The project is a direct foreign investment from Globeleq, Umeme’s shareholder.
REFURBISHMENT of the power distribution network was flagged off on Thursday at Kikajjo, a Kampala suburb. The state minister for energy, Eng. Simon D’ Ujanga, commissioned the $100m (about sh175b) four-year countrywide project.
He said the investment would address the issue of improved service delivery.
“My appeal to the residents is to jealously guard these installations from vandalism because in the end it will lead to safer networks and more voltage for Umeme customers,†he said.
He urged the public to use energy-saving tips and reiterated the Government’s support to Umeme.
Paul Mare, the Umeme general manager, said the project would involve replacement and addition of transformers on the system as well as the strengthening of wires and replacement of rotten poles.
“In the next five years we shall fix all the networks. above all, Umeme is passionate about safety. The reports of loss of lives of children due to contact with live conductors will cease after this.â€
Mare explained that the refurbishment started in Najjanakumbi since it recorded the highest power losses in the country.
He said the work in Najjanakumbi would last six months, after which residents will cease to have low voltage power, blackouts and excessive load shedding.
The plant and equipment worth $15m includes 3,150 poles, 118 distribution transformers, 335,000m of conductors as well as six power transformers.
The project is a direct foreign investment from Globeleq, Umeme’s shareholder.