UMEME to spend another sh10b in network upgrade
Jun 21, 2009
UMEME, the power distributor, is to spend another $5m (about sh10b) to replace 6,000 rotten poles and 1,200 kilometres of faulty conductors in Kampala and its environs.
By Josephine Maseruka
UMEME, the power distributor, is to spend another $5m (about sh10b) to replace 6,000 rotten poles and 1,200 kilometres of faulty conductors in Kampala and its environs.
Works are expected to run from July to December, UMEME said in a statement over the weekend.
The statement said the funding was in addition to the $15m planned capital expenditure for 2009 aimed at improving the distribution infrastructure.
Areas with low voltages like Natete, Buddo Bunnamwaya, Kabowa, Kabuusu, Namungoona, Masanafu, Masaka and Mityana would benefit.
“The investment will supplement the ongoing system improvement programme aimed at improving low voltage supplies and upgrading the power distribution network.
“It will also ensure public safety and reduce technical losses in the distribution network across the country,†the statement said.
It said UMEME had already invested in excess of $19m to improve the distribution network throughout the country as part of its four-year investment programme started in 2007.
Under this programme, rotten poles in excess of 50,000 of the country’s 120,000 have been replaced.
“The plan is to complete the replacement of all rotten poles by the end of 2012,†the statement disclosed.
The company recently built new substations in Kitante and Kaliro, and upgraded expensive switchgear at various sites.
Charles Chapman, the new UMEME chief, said the investment was in line with the company’s commitment to improve the power distribution.
“UMEME will replace rotten poles and worn out transformers, strengthen and, where necessary, replace low sagging wires, ultimately improving the electric safety situation on the network.
“These new project works will further address the much-needed system improvement and rehabilitation of the power distribution infrastructure in the area,†Chapman said.
Last year, UMEME worked on the medium-voltage network in Natete.
UMEME, the power distributor, is to spend another $5m (about sh10b) to replace 6,000 rotten poles and 1,200 kilometres of faulty conductors in Kampala and its environs.
Works are expected to run from July to December, UMEME said in a statement over the weekend.
The statement said the funding was in addition to the $15m planned capital expenditure for 2009 aimed at improving the distribution infrastructure.
Areas with low voltages like Natete, Buddo Bunnamwaya, Kabowa, Kabuusu, Namungoona, Masanafu, Masaka and Mityana would benefit.
“The investment will supplement the ongoing system improvement programme aimed at improving low voltage supplies and upgrading the power distribution network.
“It will also ensure public safety and reduce technical losses in the distribution network across the country,†the statement said.
It said UMEME had already invested in excess of $19m to improve the distribution network throughout the country as part of its four-year investment programme started in 2007.
Under this programme, rotten poles in excess of 50,000 of the country’s 120,000 have been replaced.
“The plan is to complete the replacement of all rotten poles by the end of 2012,†the statement disclosed.
The company recently built new substations in Kitante and Kaliro, and upgraded expensive switchgear at various sites.
Charles Chapman, the new UMEME chief, said the investment was in line with the company’s commitment to improve the power distribution.
“UMEME will replace rotten poles and worn out transformers, strengthen and, where necessary, replace low sagging wires, ultimately improving the electric safety situation on the network.
“These new project works will further address the much-needed system improvement and rehabilitation of the power distribution infrastructure in the area,†Chapman said.
Last year, UMEME worked on the medium-voltage network in Natete.