GOU seeks investor for 700 MW Karuma Dam project.

by Kayondo Jimmy Emmanuel
(Kampala)

Government of Uganda is seeking a private investor to construct the Karuma hydropower project. This comes after a twist of events when the power firm contracted to undertake construction, Norpak Power withdrew after the global debt crisis, and what it called “a protracted conflict with the World Bank”.

The contractor will be selected under the international competitive bidding. And will be expected to commence work as early as next year (2011). Mr. Kabagambe Kaliisa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development stated that firms are free to form a joint venture/consortium for the supply, erection and commissioning. . And that Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited, the Government’s nominee and licensee of the project, will be charged with the supervision and managerial duties.

He went further to state that Karuma is one of the high priority projects in the National Development Plan.

Government of Uganda has also allocated funds under the Energy Investment Fund for the construction of the project.
By Kayondo Jimmy Emmanuel.