Katakwi, Mororo, Napak to get sh13b power line

Sep 28, 2010

Construction works for a power line from Katakwi to Moroto and the newly-created Napak district in Karamoja sub-region has been commissioned. The sh12.6b line funded by the Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), follows earlier construction works, which were commissioned in Nakap

By Ronald Kalyango & Olandason Wanyama

Construction works for a power line from Katakwi to Moroto and the newly-created Napak district in Karamoja sub-region has been commissioned. The sh12.6b line funded by the Government through the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), follows earlier construction works, which were commissioned in Nakapiripirit and Amudat districts early this month.

This means Kotido and Kaabong districts are the only two districts remaining to be connected to the main grid. Mineral development state minister, Peter Lokeris, who commissioned the construction works at Katakwi district headquarters, assured residents that the entire region would be connected to the main grid.

“We have developed several measures, including the rural electrification fund with a board and agency, to accelerate rural electrification,” said Lokeris. He said the ministry’s priorities were district headquarters, agro-processing centres like factories, health facilities, educational institutions, water supply and electricity for information communication technology applications.

“Agriculture development are centred in rural areas, and to modernise it (agriculture), electricity is central to support agro-processing, provide conducive conditions for longer shelf life among others,” said Lokeris.

He also assured the gathering that the Government had secured funding from the World Bank to extend power from Soroti to Katakwi district.

Dr. Patricia Litho, the REA spokesperson, said the construction works, to be undertaken by A2Z Maintenance & Engineering Services, would be completed within 15 months.

The 33kv power line covers a distance of 150km and will benefit residents of Ochomongin, Ngariam, Aakum, Iriiri town council, Lorengechora, Matany, Moroto State Lodge, Kangole, Moroto SS and the surrounding areas.

She the destroyed property would be compensated for after the construction of the power line.“Building of the power lines involves use of people’s land and a few crops and trees may be lost. If there is any discontent, we expect to get back to you to address such issues,” said Litho.

The Katakwi vice-chairperson, Margaret Ikulot, lauded the development.

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