World Bank boosts Uganda Rural Electrification Programme with 6 million dollars

Monday June 27, 2011

THE World Bank has earmarked $6m towards extension of new electricity power lines to eastern and northern Uganda.

In eastern Uganda, power will be extended from Opuyo sub-station in Soroti to Katakwi and Amuria districts, while in the north, the line will run through Oyam, Gulu and the newly-created Kole district.

Rural Electrification Agency’s spokesperson, Dr. Patricia Litho, who commissioned the construction works with the district leadership of Amuria, Katakwi, Oyam and Gulu, said the resources to execute the projects would come from the Energy for Rural Transformation phase two project.

“The Government has developed several measures, including the rural electrification fund with a board and agency, to accelerate rural electrification,” Litho pointed out.

She explained that the ministry’s priorities were district headquarters, agro-processing centres, educational institutions, water supply and electricity for information communication technology applications.

Litho said at the separate events in Katakwi and Kona Kamdini in Oyam district that the construction works to be undertaken by A2Z Maintenance & Engineering Services, would be completed within 18 months.

The 33kv power lines in all the beneficiary districts will cover a distance of about 200km, connecting trading centres and health facilities.

Litho assured residents that they would be compensated for the destroyed after the construction works.

“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 and asked the contractors for quality work. The Katakwi RDC, Joseph Arwat, appreciated the Government’s commitment to extend power to the area.

“Political commitments always take time to be achieved, but I am happy to note that Rural Electrification Agency has fulfilled another pillar of government’s responsibility of infrastructure development,” said Arwat.

By Ronald Kalyango: The New Vision Newspaper