The launch of the 600 MW Karuma Hydropower Dam has been delayed again.
The Uganda Electricity Generation Company (UEGCL) has announced they will now commission the hydro-electric power dam in June next year.
The dam, which was built by Sino-hydro Corporation, and whose commissioning has been extended more than twice, is planned for launch on June 22, 2022.
IN SUMMARY
The company was incorporated in March 2001 to operate and maintain generation stations at Nalubaale and Kiira power stations, and to complete the construction of Kiira Power Station.
The delayed launching of the power dam had previously triggered friction between the builders and government that is paying 15 per cent of the $1.7 billion (Shs6 trillion) with the rest of the cash coming from Exim Bank through a soft loan from the Chinese government.
The first completion date was set for December 31, 2019, but was extended to November 30, 2020.
The latest launch date was announced on Thursday by the board’s chairperson, Ms Proscovia Margret Njuki, following a tour of the dam.
“The contractor has rectified most of the faults that had been identified and we are now happy with the wiring system and cables they have put in,” Ms Njuki said.
Over the years, UEGCL has blamed the persistent delays to commission Karuma dam on procurement hurdles, delays by government to hand over land for the project, and hostile weather, including torrential rain, which slowed down some of the construction works.
Recently, UEGCL attributed the new delays to discrepancies in electromechanical installations such as electric cables, wiring system in the tunnels and the fire extinguishing system which now they say are now being fixed.
“These were very minor issues but you have to put these guys under pressure all the time to see that they deliver quality work, “Mr Harrison Mutikanga, the UEGCL chief executive, said.
copy: Monitor
