Karuma dam excavation complete

The excavation works of the Karuma hydropower project has been completed, according to the ministry of energy and mineral development.

While addressing the media on the project's progress at the site on Thursday, Eng. Henry Bidasala, the commissioner electric power development at the energy ministry, said the contractors Sinohydro Corporation are at the stage of pouring concrete onto the excavated dam site.

The project, whose works began in December 2013, is to last for 60 months and is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2018.

After over 24 months into project implementation, Eng. Bidasala told journalists that 30% of the total physical work has so far been completed.

He is optimistic that the contractors will deliver and beat the 2018 completion deadline.

"We are definitely sure that it is going to roll and we shall achieve the target. According to the work-plan, we have done what we ought to have done by this time," he said.

Once complete, the project will see rational increase in Uganda's generation capacity which is currently estimated at about 850mw.

Bidasala maintained the optimism of lower power tariffs upon Karuma, Isimba and other power projects being pursued by government.