BY JEROME KULE
Authorities at Kasese District headquarters have launched the refurbishment and upgrade of two power distribution lines under the Nkenda-Ishaka Capacity and Reliability Improvement Project.
According to power distributor, Uganda Electricity Distribution Company Limited-UEDCL, the project which was launched today afternoon at Kasese district headquarters in Rukoki, will see the replacement of over 1900 wooden poles replaced with concrete poles along the Nkenda-Kasese and Nkenda-Ishaka stretches.
Eng Johnson Okoch, the UEDCL Project Manager says the 16 billion shillings project which was awarded to Tetra Technical Services Uganda Limited, will also see the Nkenda-Kasese conductors upgraded from 25sq mm to 100sq mm while the Nkenda-Ishaka conductors will also be upgraded from the current 100sq mm to 200sq mm to enhance their capacity.
Eng Okoch explained that refurbishment and upgrade works were informed by the need for quality of supply improvement given that the area has been grappling with persistent power outages, explaining that the developments—once complete—will be a step towards curbing load shedding in the area.
He added that the need to also evacuate the electricity generated from Nyamughasana Hydro Power Project 1& 2, Lhubiriha Hydro Power Plant and the Kyambura Power plant, which produce over 34 megawatts of electricity, enabled government to give a nod to this project.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, Mr Gadson Byaruhanga, appealed to the people of Kasese to support the effective execution of the project so that it is delivered within the eight-month timeline.
He, however, reiterated that the people in the Rwenzori service territory which includes Kasese and Rubirizi districts especially those whose electricity feeds from the Nkenda-Ishaka power stretch will experience power shutdowns on specific days during the course of the project since they will be dealing with a live wire and therefore invited the people to bear with the situation during this period.
Kasese district vice chairperson, Mr Jeremiah Bwanandeke, said he is confident that the project will improve the quality of electricity supply to the people of Kasese before appealing to energetic young men and women to seek employment opportunities from the contractor as casual labourers.
Kasese Resident District Commissioner Lt Joe Walusimbi pledged the support of local leaders towards the effective implementation of the project and appealed to people of Kasese to embrace and own the project since there are multiple advantages that come with implementation of projects of such magnitude.
ENDS