Isimba dam ready for commissioning, says UEGCL

KAMULI- The Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), has said Isimba Hydropower Dam is set for commissioning at the end of this month.
The revelation was made by Mr Simon Kasyate, the UEGCL corporate affairs’ manager, in an interview with Daily Monitor on Saturday.

All the dam’s four Kaplan turbine generator units were running by Friday last week when UEGCL board of directors concluded their routine appraisal of the project.

The appraisal was led by the chairperson, Eng Proscovia Njuki.
“We have written to the President, inviting him for the commissioning of this project on January 24. We are still waiting for response from him,” Mr Kasyate said.

He said commercial production and trade of power from Isimba dam will begin in March.

“That is when our commercial rates and charges will be applicable,” he said.

Background
In April 2015, China International Water & Electric Corporation under UEGCL’s supervision, commenced the construction of the $567.7million (Shs2.1 trillion) Isimba hydropower

Tests on the functionality of the generator units started in December last year with Unit 2 and subsequently the rest were carried out until last week.

Unlike Isimba, Karuma Hydro Power Project, one of Uganda’s largest hydro power stations whose construction begun in August 2013 undertaken by Chinese Firm, Sinohydro Corporation, is yet to be completed.

Karuma HPP is expected to generate 600 MW once complete.
The project completion was recently extended up to December this year after the contractor requested for an extension period to wind up the works. The contractor cited hitches in design and engineering as well as factors beyond their control.

UEGCL acknowledged the extension saying it could mean more costs on the side of government.
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