Category Archives: Electricity

Irland & Tanzania: The Irish Multinational engineering company is to built gas pipeline in Tanzania

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Writes Leo Odera Omolo

AN Irish construction firm and civil engineering company, Castle town Enterprises has expressed interests in constructing of new pipeline to transport natural gas from the Songo Songo gas field to the capital Dar Es Salaam.

Information emerging from Dar says the project is intended to add 200 megawatts{MW} of electricity to the national grid.

The Chief Executive Officer of the firm Mr Charlie Mc Cauley told newsmen in Dar Es Salaam last week that his firm also plans to build and operate a 200 MW open cycle gas fired power plant that could be expanded to 500 MW in the future.

Tanzania’s Minister for Energy and Minerals William Ngeleja said this project comes as good news to Tanzania which has been grappling with power shortage and that the government has already replied to the Castle town Enterprises Limited inviting the firm to open negotiations with both Tanzania Electricity Supplies Company {TANESCO} and Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation{TPDC}.

McCauley said Castletown Enterprises has approached the government and hoped to enter into a memorandum of understanding {MOU} to formalize relationship., and enable the firm to begin the required task.

If the deal is approved, the planned pipeline would be the second to carry natural gas from Songo Songo field 200 kilometers south of the commercial City of Dar Es Salaam to the Ubungo power plant.

Songas Limited owns and operates the first pipeline which was completed in 2004.And according to Minister Ngeleja,it took least a year to lay the existing gas pipeline “and to be laid by Castletown would take much shorter period of time because they won’t necessarily have to start creating new leeway and the current is 60 meters wide, which is big enough to accommodate anther pipeline.”

The Northern Irish company, which is located in Limvady near Belfast, is to discuss the best possible location for the new power plant with TANESCO officials”, he added.

“The two groups will have to sit down and jointly decide where to put up the new plant because TANESCO being the country’s electricity supplier, will play a bigger role in making sure the project comes on board in the shortest possible period of time,” he said, adding that “It is not in their interest as well that the generation of 200MW gets into the national grid sooner than later given the crisis that we have been going through.”

The government said the new pipeline is expected to be bigger than the current one, which has a diameter of16 mm. The one Castletown wants to construct would at least 24mm in diameter.

According to the Tanzania Petroleum Development Corporation {TPDC}, a second pipeline is needed because the existing one cannot accommodate any more users unless capacity at the supply side is increased.

Songas Limited has already applied to the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority {EWURA} for tariff adjustment so that it can begin increasing the output of natural gas from Songo Songo.

Tanzania has gas reserves at Songo Songo,Mnazi Bay, and Mkuranga. Gas from Songo Songo and Mnazi Bay is used to generate power and some supplied to the industries in Dar Es Salaam, while a lesser amount is converted compressed natural gas{CNG} to power motor vehicles.

Ends

EU: Electric Vehicles for Europe? New FIA Policy Paper on the Challenges Ahead for eMobility

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From: Yona Maro

Consumers will not automatically make the switch to electric vehicles if running costs are high, a recharging station network is not in place, or if new technologies are not user-friendly, according to a new policy paper by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) European Bureau.

Commenting on the paper, Werner Kraus, President of FIA Region I, said: “Up to now, all efforts to make electric vehicles a common sight on our roads have been to no avail, however, with a range of new hybrid and fully electric products due to enter the market in the coming months, it looks like we may finally be on the verge of an ‘eMobility’ revolution for the car industry. Electric vehicles have great potential to improve individual mobility as well as lower CO2 emissions”.

He added, “There will be many challenges ahead. Consumers will not shift to electric vehicles if costs are high, the right infrastructure is not in place, or if they do not understand the new technologies on offer. A range of actors including car manufacturers, battery producers, energy suppliers and distributors, and of course politicians, will have to work together to ensure that the transition to electric vehicles is a successful one.”

The policy document, ‘Towards E-Mobility: The Challenges Ahead’, is being released in advance of the anticipated release of a new European Commission White Paper on Transport as well as the entry of several new electric vehicles into the market in the coming months. The role of institutions – European, national and local – is crucial to create a clear vision and a more integrated framework, according to the paper. This should include:

Leading by example with green procurement procedures;

Introducing the correct package of incentives to stimulate specific uses of vehicles;

Working close to business and academia to refine vehicles and battery technology and support a higher volume of production;

Integrating transport policy with urban planning, energy supply and public services;

Encouraging measures for green consumption (for example by promoting labelling systems and developing innovative financial mechanisms);

Fostering a better integration of electric vehicles into the existing urban transport infrastructure.

By pooling the experiences of its 71 member clubs, representing 35 million motoring consumers from across Europe, this FIA European Bureau paper gives a unique cross-border perspective on the critical factors on eMobility currently under debate, both for users and consumers.

To Download Full Text, Visit …
http://www.fiabrussels.com/download/emobility/emobility_full_text_fia.pdf

To Download Executive Summary, visit …
http://www.fiabrussels.com/download/emobility/emobility_executive_summary_fia.pdf

For more information, please contact Niall Carty, Communications Manager, FIA Brussels Office: n.carty@ fiabrussels.com or 02 282 0812

Japan’s ongoing quake & tidal wave disaster experience

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Allow us to share some comments spoken among those here who operate this web site.

Said one, “It is amazing how a natural disaster turned a modern advanced nation into something like a toy. Out of this, though, likely will come some serious innovations.”

A second of us was led to recall a slogan:’Dailos Corp’s Westworld – – where nothing can go wrong … go wrong … go wrong’.

That slogan was the tag-line from the film, _Westworld_ . It would be closely applicable to the still developing features of that disaster, a nuclear electric generation facility in distress.

Sincerely,
– alangreen –

Kenya: Alila takes the early lead in the contest for Homna-Bay County Senate seat

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WRITES Leo Odera Omolo In Homa-Bay Town.

AS leaders in various constituencies in Luo-Nyanza reportedly rearing to go for the dozens of position created within the four Counties under the new constitution, reports’ reaching this small harbor town says the battle for the position of the future County governor has attracted more aspirants than other posts.

This is followed next by the Kisumu County where several high profile candidates have already hit the ground campaigning for the Senate and governorship positions.

In other Counties like Siaya and Migori, the campaign activities are said to be still very low-keyed, but are expected to pick up within the coming weeks. This is perhaps due to the new culture of “Gonywa” (free us} tactics of handouts which is sweeping through the region like the bush fire. Whenever a political personality suspected to be planning to contest any of either county, national assembly or senate seat appears in public, such a person is immediately surrounded by hungry youths shouting “Gony Yudhe” {free the youths”, which is meant that such a person should cough out some money in the form of handout to the youths.

The culture is even getting worse at funeral gatherings where youths have been seen surrounding the vehicles of belonging to VIPs and demanding money with menaces.

However, the Homa-Bay County Senate seat has attracted the least names of aspirants. There are only two names as for now and that is that of the youthful Ndhiwa politician Hilary Ochieng’ Alila, and that of the former Kasipul-Kabondo MP William Oloo Otula. The latter has, however, confined his activities to within the two Rachuonyo districts of South and North.

Alila who is also doubles as the coordinator of the ODM youths in the region appeared to be well organized and much mobile in all parts of Homa-Bay County. His influence is felt in most parts of the country including the two fishing islands of Mfangano and Rusinga, Gwassi, Rangwe and Karachuonyo and Kasipul-Kabondo constituencies.

Otula is said to be banking on the residents of the two most populous Rachuonyo districts for votes. But unknown to him, his arch rival Alila is making major inroads into the two regions with thud.

The 36 year old politician presided over Harambee fund drive for Powo SDA Church in Sindo, Gwassi constituency, and youth leaders from Karachuonyo and Kasipul-Kabondo constituencies accompanied him, and so were youth leaders from Ndhiwa his home turf, Rangwe and Mbita.

This position could change drastically if Mbita MP Gerald Otieno Kajwang’ joins the race as it is being rumored that he is contemplating the possibility of changing his position from defending his Mbita seat, in which is said to be very safe for the contest of the Senate. But at a recent leaders meeting in Homa_Bay Town Kajwang’ had made his position clear by reaffirming that he would defend his Mbita seat, so far the status has remained the same and unchanged despite the presence of a strong rumors to that effect.

Alila’s other unique quality is the ability to reach members of other neighboring communities like the Kuria, Kalenjin, Luhyia and Kalenjin and he is a strong campaigner for the party leader Raila Odingadue to his communication skills.

The Female senate representative position for the Homa-Bay County appeared to have attracted few contestants with only the name of the nominated MP Ms Millie Odhiambo is featuring prominently in nearly all the six constituencies.

Other names being mentioned including of that of the TSC Commissioner and former PDE in Nyanza Mrs Roselyn Onyuka, the veteran women leader and former Karachuonyo MP Mrs Dr Phoebe Muga Asiyo, Mrs Monica Amolo a perennial parliamentary election loser in Ndhiwa.But none has come forward to confirm her candidature.

Another high profile woman whose name is also frequently being mentioned and featuring prominently is the youthful and attractive Mrs Eve Obara. But she is has yet to show interest in contesting any elective position within the Homa-Bay County. Obara is the representative of the Maendeleo Ya Wanawake in Nyanza and currently serving the government as the Managing Director of the Kenya Literature Beurau.

Another position which appeared to have attracted more credible contestants is that of the County governor. And the real election battle is expected between the three leading aspirants, namely Eng.Phillip Okoth Okundi, the former country director of Marie Stoppie Clinics Cyprian Otieno Awiti and the computer genius Dr Mark Matunga who is an executive with the Microsoft International.

A recent survey whose source has yet to be established had shown Awiti to be on the lead with 18 point followed closely by Dr Matunga with 17 points Okundi trailing in third position. But a physical check conducted by this writer showing clearly that it is Okundi who is on the lead followed by Awiti while Dr. Matunga is placed in the third position.

Other aspirants for the governorship include the colorless incumbent MP for Rangwe Martin Otieno Ogindo, another Rangwe man Isaiyah Ogwe who is working with the Treasury in the Ministry of Finance who is yet to confirm his candidature. Also in the race is Professor Akeyo the chairman of CDF in Karachuonyo and a senior lecturer in the Physic department at the Maseno University.

Akeyo, however, met an unfortunate mishap when he encountered a fatal road accident while travelling between Kisumu and Maseno after hosting a lavish party for thousands of supporters at his Wagwe home in Central Karachuonyo the previous weekend. His first wife, a young son together with his brother died in the accident while the professor sustained a broken neck and serious head injuries.

Also in the race for the governor is a Nakuru based trader Opiata Ogada from Rusinga island, who also a perennial parliamentary election loser in Mbita constituency.

MP Ogindo stands a very slim chance of winning the governorship position owing to the strong showing of his arch-political rival in the Rangwe politics Eng.Okundi. The latter’s brief stint as the Rangwe MP which ended in 2007 had given him a lot of credibility, especially due to his development track record and fair distribution of revolving funds such as CDF etc.

Okundi is highly respected as an honest man, and industrious man who had established various trading and manufacturing companies in which several people are employed and earning their livelihood. He is also being credited for being loyal to the Luo political kingpin Raila Amolo Odinga.

Okundi is the current chairman of the ODM election board and the Communication Council of Kenya {CCK}. And despite of being despised by young politicians owing to his advanced age, Okundi is very much popular with the rural forks, particularly the peasants and women. It will therefore be an uphill task for anyone to beat him in the battle for the Homa-Bay County governors.

Awiti’s strength lies on members of the Catholic Church. He is a staunch catholic who has done a lot for the church. He has the lead on the record of donations towards various economic, education and social amenities projects in the larger Southern Nyanza region.

Dr Matunga’s candidature is more appealing to the youths. He is being credited for his oratory and very attractive and the platform. His influence is visible in patches of areas such as Kabondo, Mbita, Rusinga, Mfangano, Gwassi and part of Karachuonyo. But he has yet to make an impact in the highly populous regions like Rangwe and Ndhiwa. The two regions are so important for anyone eyeing the Senate seat. Another area is the far flung Gwassi district. There is a significant present of Awiti and Matunga in Gwassi.

The battle between the three leading aspirants would be given proper assessment after the month of December because more prominent names are expected to join the race for the same governor’s position.

Ends

KENYA: BID TO TAKE MIWANI SUGAR THWARTED

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BY JEFF OTIENO

A bid by a Kisumu based wealthy tycoon Padhal Harjeet Singh & sons to take over the ownership of the controversial and moribund Miwani Sugar Company Limited has hit a snag following a terse environmental assessment test report which has officially been disclosed.

In a letter dated 7th January 2011 ref Nema/EIA/5/2/614 the environmental authority rejects the bid by the transporter tycoon on grounds that the land in question is under contention.

The letter reads in part, “it’s important to note that the environmental assessment license is issued for a specific plot and hence the plot number has to be clearly stated and a copy of title deed attached as a proof of ownership.”

“The authority is therefore unable to process the environmental impact assessment license for the proposal development until the issue of land ownership is resolved and proof of the same submitted to the authority,” the letter continues.

It concludes in part by warning the investor that failure to respond within a period of 60 days for the date of the receipt of the same he will be expected to reapply.

“Kindly note that environmental impact assessment processing time stops running until the above issues are addressed,” the letter written by BM Langwen for the Director General concludes.

Padhal Harjeet and sons had budgeted Kshs. 11 million to set up the plant and were expected to crush 3,000 tonnes of cane per day.

They also intend to produce 23 mega watts of electricity with 18 megawatts being channeled to the national grid and the balance for its internal consumption.

The move by Padhal and sons has elicited outrage from local farmers who say the local transporter is using his high powered connections particularly from the Prime Ministers office to influence a take over through hook or crook yet they have no capacity or expertise on sugar.

The enraged farmers further took issue with a galaxy of consultants who gave clear bill of health to the transport tycoon without considering that there are contentious issues bedeviling the plant.

Padhal and sons were recently ejected from Chemelil Sugar for doing transport on alleged grounds that they were involved in fictitious dealings which were injurious to the sugar miller.

Miwani Sugar issue has braced endless court battles and at one time the said Padhal family were being accused by a clique of farmers for hiring goons to crowd court corridors in a bid to create imaginary impressions to the jurists.

At one time early last year the tycoon had to scamper for safety when the marauding goons demanded that their heckling fee along the court corridors be hiked thundering that they had under estimated the gigantic task involved.

Majority of farmers in that Muhoroni zone have of late sighed with relief following a vibrant policy by the Kibos Sugar and allied workers to pay farmers weekly; a move which has also impacted negatively to rival millers who now view them as “populist”.

It is interesting and imperative to note that the contentious miller is hardly 20 kilometers from Kibos Sugar and keen sugar industry players are watching with batted breath how the regulator the Kenya Sugar Board will react putting into consideration the sugar act.

END

Kenya: Nyatike constituency is on the move and may soon realize the fastest development activities

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Karungu Bay, Migori County.

One of the recently created administrative districts, in greater southern Nyanza, which is currently on the move, is Nyatike.

Laying in the far end of the former greater Southern Nyanza and bordering Tanzania on the land and Uganda in Lake Victoria, Nyatike, is an area which is previously considered as the most backward in the region. It has had its own parliamentary constituency for the last 16 years ever since its separation from Ndhiwa in 1992.

In the first multi-party election, in 1992, Tobias Ocholla Ogur won the seat for the first time on a Ford Kenya party ticket. The party was then led by the late Jaramogi Oginga Odinga. Ogur, however, quickly made an about turn and crossed the floor back to the ruling KANU, and lost in the seat in the consequent by-election.

The NDP and then LDP supported and fronted the late Tom Onyango a petty kiosk trader in Migori town who carried the day.

The NDP and later LDP had swept the board clinching all the parliamentary and civic seats in Southern Nyanza.

In the general election of 1997, Ocholla Ogur bounced back and recaptured the seat of the defunct LDP party led by Raila Odinga. He successfully defended his seat in 2002, but performed dismally in the 2007 general election, and was beaten hands down by the youthful Edick Omondi Anyanga who appeared to have turned the previously sleeping constituency around.

Nyatike district previously had two administrative divisions, namely Karungu-Sori and Maclder. But it has now five division comprising of Got Kocholla, Kaler and Muhuru Bay Divisions. The area has a full pledged DC, DO I and district officers manning all the five divisions plus district heads of departments and all the government offices are functioning well.

Today Nyatike provide electricity supplies to all primary and secondary schools, market places and all the institutions. The area has the best rural feeder and access roads to the envious of other neighboring constituencies. This is perhaps because of the abrasive youthful and aggressive MP who has kept members of the local CDF committee on its toe.

On the education front, Nyatike beat all the other primary schools in the entire Migori County in last year CPE exam coming on top. This is due to the competitive nature of teaching initiated by the MP who is reported to be dishing out special gifts to teachers who performed well. The prizes include new suits, bicycles and other gifts. Earlier last year the MP had requested for teaching experts from other parts of the country who went to Nyatike for the purpose of carrying out refresher course for teachers through seminars and workshops.

Fishing and fish trade is the main economic mainstay in the constituency, which borders Tanzania on other main land and also a small portion on the Lake Victoria and Uganda in Lake Victoria. The disputed Migingo fishing island is believed by Kenyans to be part of Nyatike district, though Uganda had seized and posted its marine police to man the island to the chagrin of the local residents, who sees the government of Kenya for having failed them and abandoned them in the hand of hostile foreign occupying force.

The MP who is known to his peers as Omuk Lela {Rhino} has persistently demanded both in the August house and outside parliament that the Uganda security personnel said to be harassing about 500 Kenyan fishermen operating on the Migingo Island be driven out, and always scathingly criticized the government for its handling of the Migingo saga.

The shortage of fresh water for life will soon be over in Nyatike. Plans are under way for a major water project to be taken u by the UNICEF that will see the water piped from Lake Victoria and spread into the villages in Sori, Obware Secondary School and other nearby villages.

The water supplies will go beyond the constituency boundary and even benefit the residents of the neighboring Ndhiwa district. The residents are also said to be Liaoning with tourist operators in Nairobi with the view to ensure plans are earmarked for tourists to visit attractive tourist points in the region.

Ends

leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Kenya: HUGE LOSS BY KPLC

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By Dickens Wasonga.

KPLC has lost over Shs.12 million from theft of electric poles and transformer vandalism in Western Kenya region in the last one month.

Poles that KPLC security officers held at Lolwe Estate in Kisumu if already loaded in a hired truck belonging to Kajulu holdings by unknown persons.

Addressing the media at the Kenya Power and Lightning Company offices in Kisumu, Ronald Musebe, the company’s security chief in the region attributed the huge loss to current shortage of the poles in the country.

He said the vandals have been taking advantage of the scarcity of the posts in the country to steal the already purchased ones by the company and scratch their marks so that they resupply them to KPLC.

Musebe was speaking as he displayed thirty one poles belonging to their company that they recovered last Friday at Kisumu’s Lolwe estate, already loaded in a truck by unknown persons.

“They had already loaded in a hired truck thirty one poles out of the thirty four that our company had gathered at the estate for use,” said Musebe.

He said the truck belonging to Kajulu holdings in Kisumu had been hired by one Stephen Kamau from Nakuru, whom they however did not manage to arrest.

“We only managed to arrest the driver, but our officers are pursuing others in connection to the theft,” he added.

He pointed out that the KPLC marks on the poles had already been scraped with a file in order to kill evidence when resupplying them to the company.

He added that the ten loaders who were also hired to be paid Shs. 8,000 for the job also managed to escape.

Musebe mentioned that with the arrest of the truck, it puts the figure of vehicles held in Kisumu alone loaded with their company’s poles to four.

“In the last one month alone we have arrested five vehicles in Kisumu and Siaya alone, four in Kisumu and one in Siaya,” he added.

He lamented that with each pole costing Shs. 11,000, the rampant theft is likely to pose a great loss to the company.

Musebe also cited rampant theft of copper wires at Rabuor in Kisumu.

He called on the public to volunteer any information to the company incase they come across none KPLC staff handling the company’s equipment.

Two Weeks ago, five people, including a lady suspected to have been frequently involved in transformer vandalism in the area, were arrested at Nyamasaria area in Kisumu.

Western Kenya regional KPLC manager Eng. Jared Otieno said the company has lost Shs. 10 million in the last one month due to transformer vandalism alone in the region.

He said KPLC recorded a loss of twenty transformers to vandals in the region and attributed it to inadequate security personnel manning the equipment.

He cited Webuye, Vihiga, Kakamega, Oyugis, Kisii and Kisumu as some of the areas in the region where transformer vandalism is rampant.

Ends…

Nigeria: We Can Stop “The Desiel-Generators Darkness Synod” Join Our Crusade Today –

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election2011@ . . .

24 Hrs Uninterrupted Power Supply in Nigeria: YES

This may seem to many as a huge task. Let us remind everyone that Nigeria enjoyed this in the 70s, 80s and earlier parts of 90’s. Ghana our neighboring country celebrated more than 10 years of 24hrs power supply. Stop the Generator companies, the foreign nationals entrenched Desiel-Generator Darkness Synod (DDS) along with their unpatriotic Nigerian Collaborators and the problem will seize. Join us today, Yes we can stop the Desiel-Generator Darkness Synod. Yes we can do it – Join Put Nigeria First today.

Visit us at www.putnigeriafirst.com

Uganda: Six officials grilled by police for diverting government power project money

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Writes leo Odera Omolo

SIX officials from Bujagali Energy Limited (BEL) and Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) were yesterday grilled by MPs for diverting sh10b government funds to their account in Stanbic Bank.

The money was meant for the resettlement and compensation of over 2,600 people affected in the Bujagali Interconnection Project.

The officials included the project director, Glenn Gaydar, transmission line manager John Berry, the accountant, Nora Nakato, Ivan Kwasibwe (BEL), Dennis Makuba (UETCL), and Henry Lwetabe (UETCL).

The officials were handed over to CID at Parliament for further questioning after they failed to explain why BEL withdrew the money from the Government Energy Fund (Escrow account).

According to the MPs, the Government is to spend over sh30b on compensation. Bujagali Energy Limited is working closely with UETCL to manage the development and construction of the power line.

During the meeting with the officials and others from the energy ministry led by the permanent secretary, Fred Kaliisa, MPs on the public accounts committee discovered that in December 2008, BEL invested the money in bank securities without prior approval of UETCL, the implementing agency.

According to Dennis Makuba from UETCL, the money accumulated an interest of sh460m within two years. He said the money was later transferred to the consolidated account in Bank of Uganda in September.

Though deposited on the same date (December 10, 2008), the money was deposited in two instalments of sh5b each at an interest rate of 7.5% and 7%.

The committee was surprised to learn that the interest was, however, never declared in the company’s books of account.

The project director, Glenn Gaydar, explained that: “After the evaluation, there were delays by the Government chief valuer to approve the report. That is why we decided to invest it in short-term investment.”

Makuba said BEL had acknowledged that it was an oversight on their part to invest cash balances in short-term bank securities.

The legislators demanded for an explanation why the company withdrew the money before the actual time for compensation and also why they never sought authority from UETCL.

“This is a serious case of fraud. Did the Government instruct you to invest the money and make profits? Why did you request for money that you were not ready to spend?” committee chairperson Nandala Mafabi asked.

MPs William Nsubuga (NRM), Tindamanyire Kabondo (NRM), Oduman Okello, and Tom Kazibwe (NRM) noted that there was need to monitor the project because the investment will be translated into power tariffs when the project is completed.

“We are afraid that investors are taking us for granted. They only transferred the money because we had summoned them,” Oduman said.

Kaliisa assured the MPs that the interest of Ugandans are being taken care of and clear control measures had been put in place to stop exploitation.

Ends

KENYA: DESTRUCTION OF THE LATE ALBERT OWINO NYAOKE`S LAND BY SYNOHYDRO

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SENT BY: Leo Odera Omolo

DOCUMENTATION OF THE DESTRUCTION OF THE LATE ALBERT OWINO NYAOKE`S LAND BY SYNOHYDRO CO-OPERATION THROUGH KIMIRA OLUCH SMALL HOLDER FARM IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (KOSFIP). A shameless act of impunity and violation of fundamental rights of poor people has occurred:

PHYSICAL ADDRES: Village-Kogelo

Sub location-Kogweno Oriang East

Location-Kogweno Oriang

District-Rachuonyo North

County-Homa-Bay

FAMILY

The late Albert Owino Nyaoke died on 16/12/202 Left behind a widow Elizabeth A Nyaoke and seven children namely:

Peter Odhiambo Nyaoke

George Ouma Nyaoke

Victer Otieno Nyaoke

Everlyn Achieng Nyaoke

Halfline Atieno Nyaoke

Judith Anyango Nyaoke

Millicent Akinyi Nyaoke

The family has stayed in their home ever since and this is the only place they know as their home. The late Nyaoke secured A Title Deed for the said piece of Land, and up to date the title deed number 717 is still in the latte’s name.

DESTRUCTION

It was in July 2010-The Contractor Synohydro Co-operation without notice came and cleared all the vegetation within the homestead of the said family, destroyed the fence and any existing tree which was in the compound leaving the Home a bear field. The Family has tried to get explanation for the said destruction through the relevant authority and it has always felt on deaf ears. The first person they consulted for the same was there area chief (Kogweno Oriang Location) Mr. George Osumba who told them that the said project is a government project and it is beyond him

The contractors also passed through the farm and went ahead and cleared the existing crops which were due for harvesting.

ENCROCHMENT:

The destruction proceeded with a road construction, separating the mother’s house and the son’s house making it more difficult for the family to move from one house to the other. Since the road constructed is very busy in use. This has made the family crippled in conducting any meaningful business within the home stead since the vehicles which transport construction materials are

Frequently passing there.

In the said situation it is no longer a home where one can do any development. The small children cannot excise their rights of playing in the compound;

No livestock can be kept including the common local birds;

gweno;

Nobody neither the government administration nor the construction company has consulted the family about the construction in the middle of the existing home and the result of the economic and social consequences.

Since the construction of the road started two months ago the widow has never had a glimpse of sleep as the vehicles are passing there all day long 24hrs.The right of privacy has become a thing of the past, the rate of air and water born diseases is alarming in the said family as a result of passing vehicles and water logged due to poor drainage at the main entrance of the house.

INSECURITY:

The family has been leaving with a lot of fear of their own security as the road next to the house has become a major road for everybody using it 24 7 and numerous threats from those who use the road. AAAAR

CONCLUSION:

The organization, Ministry of Regional Development Authorities. Kimira –Oluch Small Holder Farm Improvement Project (KOSFIP) through the constructer Synohydro Cooperation has done nothing for the family, except promise by word of mouth that they will build for the family a house, no documentation to support the same.

NOTE

Feel free to contact the following for more information:

1) Peter Odhiambo Nyaoke Cell No. 0727 541 813

2) George Ouma Nyaoke Cell No. 0721 842 822

3) Elly Kisera Cell No. O724 505 962 Area project representative

J A OSANO

Kenya & USA: VOTE FOR EVANS- KENYAN TOP TEN CNN HERO NOMINEE-2010

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From: b wad

Dear all

Ave seen in papers the work of this one Evans wadongo who is distributing solar powered lanterns in rural Kenya. He is has been nominated for CNN HEROEs 2010—–VOTING IS UNDERWAY……LETS VOTE FOR HIM as many times as possible at http://heroes.cnn.com/vote.aspx SO THAT HE CAN CONTINUE THE GOOD WORK…..
Please, inform all your friends, family and workmates.

By voting, you will be representing thousands of poor women, men and children who have benfited from Sustainable Development For All’s work under the ‘Use Solar, Save Lives’ program, www.sustainabledevelopmentforall.org who are in poor rural communities with no access to internet.

Thanks.

Kenyan

—
Follow Me on Twitter: http://twitter.com/robertalai

Uganda: Museveni warns NRM members to go to into primaries instead of short-cut

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Reports Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City

PRESIDENT Yoweri Museveni has told the National Resistance Movement (NRM) members to go into primaries knowing that the party is more important than individuals.

Museveni holds a potato given to him by a farmer in Butansi, Kamuli. Next is Kiyingi and right is Kadaga

“If you lose in an election, support the person who has won. To create disunity because you have lost is not good. Even me, I can’t do anything as an individual,” Museveni, who is the NRM chairman, noted.

“The power I have is from the people. It is wrong to think that the individual you support is higher than the party,” he added.

The President was over the weekend speaking during a talk-show over NBS FM in Jinja district during his tour of Busoga region.

Museveni denied claims by some contestants that he anointed them to vie for the various political posts in the party.

“Don’t be diverted. I can’t send anybody to contest in the party. They are all my children and I can’t support one against the other. I will support the flag-bearer elected by the people,” he clarified.

The President’s comments come at a time when cases of violent campaigns have been reported across the country in the ongoing party campaigns for MP and district chairpersons.

Today, several NRM members vying for executive posts are expected to pick nomination forms from the party headquarters in Kampala.

The President is in Busoga to assess projects implemented by NAADS under the Prosperity for All programme. The programme is aimed at fighting household poverty by boosting incomes through commercialised production.
“I have been here for a week, but have you heard me mention any candidate? I have never sent anybody to contest. All members are mine as long as they belong to the party,” the President elaborated.

In another talk-show on Kamuli Broadcasting Service FM, Museveni warned NRM leaders against fighting each other, saying leaders must not show personal or misplaced biases when dealing with party affairs.

“A manager is a leader who doesn’t take sides. Those under them may fight but not leaders,” Museveni cautioned.
The warning was prompted by reports by lands state minister Asuman Kiyingi that Parliament deputy Speaker Rebecca Kadaga was funding his opponent.

Henry Kibalya, an employee of Uganda Breweries, is among the four candidates campaigning for Bugabula South, where Kiyingi is the incumbent. Others are Charles Naluswa Mutyabule and Henry Kyesitalo.

“I have evidence that people are funded by Kadaga because I am against Prince Gabula’s becoming the Busoga king,” Kiyingi said.

Prince William Gabula Nadiope IV is facing off with Prince Edward Colombus Wambuzi for the Kyabazinga seat.
Kadaga fired back: “I think this is being cheap. I have not done anything like that. What he (Kiyingi) is saying is nonsense.”

Museveni said he would meet the leaders to discuss the issues.
He said it was wrong for party leaders to show favouritism among supporters at the grassroots

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Kenya: Raila Ahead of the pack in Race to State House

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By Alex Ndegwa

Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s popularity has surged, widening his lead over rivals in the presidential race if elections were held today, says a new opinion poll. With 41 per cent of registered voters indicating they would vote for the ODM leader, Raila would secure a resounding win over his closest challenger Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka who would garner 13 per cent of the vote. The surge in the PM’s popularity ratings could be attributed to his steadfast support for the Proposed Constitution, which seems to enjoy the backing of majority of voters.

Twelve per cent of the respondents said they would vote for President Kibaki, even though he is not eligible for re-election at the next General Election. Higher Education Minister William Ruto, who is pressing for the rejection of the Proposed Constitution in the referendum vote, would garner nine per cent of the presidential vote. Narc-Kenya leader Martha Karua follows with seven while Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta would get three per cent of the vote. Wield Influence Saboti MP Eugene Wamalwa and Water Minister Charity Ngilu had the support of one per cent each. In March another survey by the pollster indicated Raila would have gotten 36 per cent of the overall vote, an improvement on December when he led with 28 per cent. The PM appears to wield more influence on the draft among his supporters compared to rivals. An overwhelming majority of Raila’s supporters (74 per cent) indicated they approved the draft.

Ruto also commands significant influence with 68 per cent of his supporters indicating they would vote against the Proposed Constitution. Fifty seven per cent of the President’s supporter’s approve the draft, showing he needs to rally more of his followers behind the document. Less than half of Kalonzo’s supporters (44 per cent) indicated they would vote ‘Yes’, with an even higher combined majority (48) indicating they would either reject the draft or were undecided. ODM is still the most popular party with 46 per cent while PNU enjoys the support of 24 per cent of the registered voters. ODM-Kenya is the third most popular party with nine, followed by Narc-Kenya (four), Ngilu’s Narc (two) and Kanu one. The draft enjoys much more support (65 per cent) among ODM supporters compared to 55 among PNU supporters.

– – – – – – – – – – –

— Mheshimiwa… wrote:

From: Mheshimiwa…
Subject: Re: KINGARA STOP MISINFORMING

Kipsang:

You don’t seem to make any sense in your write ups – – all the time you talk about RV and Raila not getting votes from RV. Is it that your thinking is limited to this area only?

1.Don’t you ever realise that Kenya is bigger than RV?
2.Does it ever occur to you that RV is a cosmopolitan society?
3.Does it ever occur to you that Kibaki become president in 2002 without Kalenjin votes in?
4.Do you ever realise that Raila is gaining people confidence all over Kenya while Ruto is losing it in RV?
5.Do you ever realise that Papa Likondi has facts than you in matters political much as we assume you are informed than him?

—
Mheshimiwa–Josh..
P.O Box 33506-00600,
Nairobi.
Mobile:0725-844589

Nile Basin Countries: Egypt has issued a stern warning to Nile’ upstream countries over the Entebbe deal

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News Analysis By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

The last week signing of the new River Nile water agreement by four upstream states, which attended a meeting at Entebbe in Uganda has provoked sharp tongue lashing by Egypt which has threatened to take legal action and any other option it deemed necessary.

The four upstream countries represented at the Entebbe meeting were Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Ethiopia. The Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi were not represented. Kenya another important member of the Nile basin Initiative was represented by a junior officer, but it has since signed the document.

Kenya’s Water and Irrigation Minister Madam Charity Kaluki Ngilu signed the document in her Nairobi office early this week bringing the number to five countries out of the nine, which include Egypt and Sudan.

The new treaty is over the equitable sharing of the Nile water. It has since elicited strong opposition from Egypt and Sudan. The upstream countries must now be prepared for any consequences as Egypt has vowed not to lay low about.

The signing of the treaty in exclusion of the two North African countries has sparked a bitter row prompting Cairo’s harsh reaction. Egypt has threatened to mobilize international support or “other means”, the possibility of a conventional warfare cannot be ruled out, judging from the tone of Cairo’s rejoinder.

It could be remember that at time Egypt had threatened both Sudan and Ethiopia, saying it was ready to go war with any upstream states whose action is viewed as threatening her only source of life. And to protect its historical rights over the River Nile water, dating back to a century.

“This agreement benefits all of us” remarked Ethiopian Minister for Water Resources Asfaw Dingoma in Entebbe immediately after signing the new treaty.

The latest conflict of interest and disagreement come at the time Egypt is expected to support Ethiopia’s bid, especially after the two countries signing of a memorandum of understanding late last year, to establish a joint Ethiopian-Egyptian Council Trade and Commerce with the aim of strengthening economic ties between the two countries.

The upstream states want to be able to implement irrigation and hydro power projects in consultation with Egypt and Sudan, but with Egypt being disarmed and left without right to exercise its veto power.which Cairo was given by the 1929 colonial era treaty it signed with Great Britain.

The latest agreement signed by the five countries of Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Rwanda, the Nile Basin Co-operation Framework, is to replace a 1959 accord between Egypt and Sudan and British colonial power that gives the two North African countries control of more than 90 per cent of the Nile water flow.

The two countries have expressed fear that the water supply might dwindle and would be severely reduced, f the seven other Nile users diver the river for irrigation and hydro power projects.

The Nile Basin Initiative, which had been spearheading the talks will from now on ward be transformed to be known as Nile Basin Commission and will receive ,review and approve or reject projects related to Africa’s longest river.

The new Commission will have its secretariat based in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa and will have representation from all the nine Nile Basin countries.

Egyptian Foreign Affairs Minister Ahmed Abul Abeit was early this week quoted by news agencies as having issued a stern warning to the upstream states that his country water rights were not.

‘Any unilateral agreement signed by the upstream Nile Basin Countries is null and void, therefore is not binding on downstream countries, Egypt and Sudan, and lacks legitimacy,” said the Minister.

The Egyptian Minister described Ethiopia’s inauguration of 460MW Tana Beles hydro electric dam on the Nile, done at the same day the new agreement was being signed in Entebbe has provoked Egypt into taking action that would turn global opinion of the Nile water among the 9 Nile Basin states.

Ethiopia Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, on the other hand, said the Dam’s recent inauguration marks his country’s success in using Nile water after decades of biased laws.

Ethiopia industry, manufacturing sector has suffered persistent power shortage, whose demand has increased by 25 per cent every year.

Currently, Ethiopia’s power generation capacity is about 2,000MW and the government targets to generate capacity 5,000in the coming five ears and export energy to neighboring Kenya, Sudan and Djibouti.

Tana Beles is an ultra-modern hydro power dam complex is located underground and was constructed at a cost of 550 Birr {USD 369.2 million}

Earlier effort to build the Dam were frustrated by the refusal of the African Development Bank, the World Bank and the European Investment Bank among other creditors to fund the project a situation suspected to have been engineered clandestinely bye Egypt and Sudan.

Ethiopia has built it without foreign support. However, China is reportedly pumping million of dollars into the dam scheme.

Ethiopia is to generate 45 per cent of its energy from the Nile Basin, a plan that does not sit well with Cairo.

Ethiopia has also built multiple hydro dam along the Gibe 3 the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa despite growing protest from environmental groups over its impact on a half a million people in Northern Kenya, as fear mount that it would cause Lake Turkana in the region to dry up.

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leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Uganda: The country has doubled its power output and almost hitting the national target

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Business and Economic News By Leo Odera Omolo

UGANDA’S power output has almost doubled in the past five years as the country tries to satisfy increasing demand that is driven by robust economic growth.

The third largest economy in the region produces 591MW, up from the 265MW previously. This has boosted power supply, making the economy more competitive.

“Investments in the sector have increased, attracting local and international players because there is transparency,” Frank Sebbowa, the Electricity Regulatory Authority, said.

The development comes on the back of a deliberate strategy in tackling electricity demand head-on. The old approach involved ‘chasing’ demand forecasts from behind through attracting local, foreign, public and private investors into the sector.

New power plants have been installed in Tororo, Namanve and Mutundwe in Kampala. This is on top of hydro-power complex with installed capacity to generate 480MW at Jinja. Power generation from small hydro-power plants is in the pipeline.

While some of the projects are near completion, others are awaiting commissioning. Uganda relies on hydro-energy to meet 90% of its electricity needs, but drought has cut capacity at the main power dams in Jinja.

However, due to the change in strategy, the country hopes to increase power generation from other renewable sources. Sugar companies, Kakira and Kinyara, are producing electricity from cane wastes.

This is not only aimed at catering for the desired pace of economic development, but also to ensure that electricity reaches every part of the country.

“There has been increased search for alternative sources of energy, including utilising the mini-hydro stations, generation from bagasse, garbage and solar-thermal projects,” Sebbowa said.

“The reforms have yielded positive results like increased access to electricity. This transforms into better standards of living.” However, there is still a need to migrate from diesel power generation to heavy fuel oil in the short-to-medium-term to reduce power prices.

“There is need to quickly harness our local oil resources to get cheaper heavy fuel oil,” the regulator observed. “We must also address system losses and reduce tariffs through re-negotiating of the allowed losses.”

Sorting out the country’s power problems is vital as the economy struggles to compete with Kenya and Tanzania for a sizable share in the coming East African Community common market.

The biggest indirect cost to firms operating in Kenya is disruptions in power supply. Attracting foreign investors will be hard since electricity prices are still high compared to the neighbouring economies.

Ends

Tanzania: The nation plans to build its nuclear power plant in the near future

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Economic and Business News By Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

REPORTS emerging from Dar Es Salaam, says Tanzania is planning to build a nuclear power plant in the near future with the technical backing of a South African and French multinational companies.

It would be the first nuclear plant of its kind in the Eastern African region. This is following a move by South Areva, a South African multinational firm, which is a member of the French multinational Areva Groups to bid to its construction.

Currently, the country, which depends on hydro-electric power to produce electricity, suffers from frequent acute power shortage.

The chairman of Areva South Africa Mohamed Madhi was recently in Dar-Es –Salaam from where he disclosed the plans to newsmen. He said his firm was seeking opportunities in East Africa to invest in nuclear power production.

He explained that Areva will produce clean energy in Tanzania though the construction of nuclear power plant pending the conclusion of negotiations with the government of that country.

“Areva is one of the leading companies that will be bidding for contracts to build energy capability in Tanzania,’ said Madhi. The firm is also a leading global nuclear energy with integrated capability across the full nuclear energy cycle from mining of uranium, to building of power stations, transmission and distribution of electricity and recycling and disposal of nuclear waste.

According to Madhu, South Africa, is currently working on a capital expansion program that will treble its power generation capacity from the current 38,000MW to about 80,00MW.

“Nuclear is expected to to form a significant portion of the energy mix in three projected capital expansion plan” Madhu said, adding that in the last capital expansion program the government anticipated that nuclear would form over 30 per cent of the new-built program.

According to Areva, nuclear is currently seen as a cost-effective environmentally friendly and relevant development energy option. Globally, it says, there is resurgence of interest in nuclear energy ,referred to in the industry as the “Nuclear Renaissance driven by the growing demand for energy among the fast growing emerging economic powers India and China.

It is also driven b the climate change issue, as other ‘base-load “option, coal fired power stations- is increasingly seen as a carbon intensive.

Madhu said the African continent ha energy resources-uranium solar, hydro, geothermal coal and gas which and underdeveloped.

However, experts at the Arusha-based Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission say extensive preparation are needed before the country can and process uranium.

The Commission’s director Prof. Idi Mkilaha in a recent interview with the EASTRAFRICAN that according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, baseline studies to assess the current level of contamination need to be made besides the mining regulations, there are regulations on safety and safeguard matters to consider.

Asked about the generation of electricity from nuclear, Prof Mkilaha said mining uranium and electricity generation are two different things.

“Major steps towards nuclear power plant development involve energy planning and analysis to establish and predict the optimum energy mix for the country in the short and long term,” he added.

Further steps include developing safeguards and nuclear regulatory framework and infrastructure, carrying out self-assessment in terms of the basic infrastructure for nuclear development and implementation, and human resources capacity development in nuclear technology.

The country also needs to carry out stakeholder and community education on nuclear power plant and its implications, identifying suitable and appropriate technology, site and nuclear power plant vendors, construction of nuclear power plant, and finally commissioning, monitoring and reviews of future development.

Prof. Mkilaha said uranium investment can take between 10 and 20 years to start paying back and as such economic benefits must be planned carefully before any commitment is made.

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leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Tanzania to go nuclear

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REPORTS emerging from the Tanzanian capital, Dar Es Salaam, says the country is to begin mining and processing uranium within three years, following the announcement of two commercial discoveries in the Central and Southern regions of the country.

Exploration estimates indicate that the country has about 5.9 million pounds of uranium oxide {U306} deposits, that at the current prices of USD 41 per pound, is worth USD 2.2 billion.

Two firms, Matra Resources and Uranex Resources, have been exploring for the mineral in Tanzania, and have confirmed discovery, which are now only waiting for the new Mining Bill to be tabled in Parliament before the end of this month to commence mining.

A week ago, the report says, the Proactive Investors Website said Uranex, an Australian listed company with projects in Australia and Tanzania, had announced the discovery of new uranium mineral mineralization, during pitting of its previously untested Mbuga G site in the northern part of the Manyoni Project in Central Tanzania.

In addition, further uranium mineralization has also been identified at Mbuga A C West, D, and F, including recent assays returned from 2009.

Managing Director, John Cottle was quoted last week by the influential EASTAFRICAN as saying, “We are very excited about these new uranium intersection as they continue to confirm our belief in the mineral potential of the Manyoni district.

The Mining Bill is geared to create a win-win situation for both investor and Tanzania, unlike its predecessor, the mining Act 1998, which gave disproportionate note revenue benefits to many companies operating in the land. Both Matra and Uranex said the actual production will begin after three years.

The coming on stream of uranium will make the most dependable export for Tanzania after gold.

The mining sector in general earned the country USD 111.5 million in 2009, contributing 3 per cent to the gross domestic products {GDP}.

Tanzania ultimately aims to exploit its uranium deposits to produce nuclear power to export to the East, Southern and Central African markets.

And last week, at a meeting of the Forum of Nuclear Regulatory Bodies in Africa {FNRBA} held in Abuja, Nigeria, the United States pledged its willingness to help African countries interested in generating electricity from nuclear sources. Tanzania is a member of FNRBA, along with Congo, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa, Namibia and Tunisia.

Matra, which will mine uranium in the South of the country at Namtumbo district, Ruvuma region expects to produce 3.7 million pounds per year worth USD 151.7 million, using a 1,500 strong workforce and investment of about USD 400 million, according to its website.

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Leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

Uganda: Work at the new hydroelectric power station at Bujagali is progressing well

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WORK AT THE NEW BUJAGALI HYDROELECTRIC POWER STATION IS PROGRESSING WELL AND WILL BE COMMISSIONED NEXT YEAR.

Business Feature By Leo Odera Omolo

THE Bujagali hydro-power project is expected to be ready next year, according to the project director of Bujagali Energy Limited. The first parts of the turbines were installed earlier this week and civil works on the power house, the overflow and the spill gates were in final stages when Saturday Vision visited the site.

“The exact date of commissioning will be announced by the Government but we are expecting it to be some time next year,” said project director Glenn Gaydar.

He said the procurement of the turbines, generators and other electrical appliances was 95% complete.

The project will be on schedule despite a low-quality rock found at the site, which forced the developers to remove it and replace it with an artificial rock made of concrete and steel.

The weak underground was only discovered after the flow of River Nile had been diverted and the western bank had been drained.
“You can’t see what is under the water. That is one of the risks with hydro-power projects,” explained Gaydar.

The contractor did not want to take any risks, more so as the rock was located just after the gated spillway. “There was a risk that the water, coming out with great force, would destroy the rock, create a hole and undermine the integrity of the dam,” he said.

Dozens of workers could be seen laying the concrete and steel slab, the size of almost two football pitches, where the rock had been removed.

Earlier, the workers cleaned every inch of the base with brushes to stop possible seepages, a tedious and time-consuming job.

Despite this setback, the project cost will remain within the contract sum, Gaydar said. “The cost will be covered by our contingency funds.”

Biggest project
The $860m project, which will generate 250 megawatts of electricity and put an end to load shedding, is the biggest project ever undertaken in Uganda.

The executer, Bujagali Energy Limited, is a consortium of American Sithe Global, Kenyan Industrial Promotion Services (IPS) and the Ugandan Government.

IPS is an affiliate of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development. The consortium put $190m into the project while the rest are loans, mainly from the World Bank Group, the European Investment Bank and the African Development Bank.

The project employs 2,500 people who work around the clock in three shifts. The facility consists of a power station, housing five 50 megawatt turbine generators. The structure is 52 metres high and stretches 30 metres under the ground. The site has its own quarries and cement mixers. “We mix cement with ice to prevent the cement from heating up and cracking,” said spokesperson John Chihi. The cement is procured from Bamburi in Kenya while the steel is shipped in from Turkey.

Of the total number of workers, 2,200 are Ugandans. They are employed as welders, carpenters, concrete finishers, equipment operators and truck drivers. The majority of them were recruited locally. “We were fortunate to find enough skilled labour locally since another hydro-power project was built in Jinja five years ago,” said Gaydar.

All the workers are equipped with life-saving gear, such as helmets, boots, fluorescent vests and ropes. Only one minor accident has been reported since the project started in August 2007.

Once completed, the power plant will come as a relief to businesses and industries that have been struggling with continuous power cuts in the past years.

Bujagali, located eight kilometers north of the existing Nalubaale and Kiira power plants, will generate double the amount of electricity using the same water.

Reliable and affordable power will make Uganda’s manufacturing industry more competitive in the region, creating more jobs and contributing to economic and social development.

But even before the project is complete, the communities displaced on either side of the river have been transformed.

Four villages on the eastern bank and four on the western bank, 34 families in all, had to be resettled because of the project.

Some 200 youth in the new village of Naminya are being trained in vocational skills, while village health teams were set up to sensitise the communities on malaria, diarrhea, and HIV/AIDS.

“We organised a health and hygiene competition among the households and the winners got goats and mosquito nets,” said Chihi.

Jinja district health officials say water-borne diseases like cholera, bilharzia, diarrhea and typhoid had been a common occurrence in this once remote neighborhood.

Hadija Kezala, who lives within walking distance from the project, won a cow, a box of washing soap and three mosquito nets for maintaining the cleanest home.

Besides uplifting the community, the contractor is also running an environmental programme. They reforested 440 hectares of land and trained people how to set up tree nurseries.

As for tourism, the Bujagali Falls will disappear but the rafting will continue. The rafters only have to start their journey further down the river. The water on the western bank will be turned into a recreational lake. “We just have to move the tour operators to the other side of the dam,” said Gaydar.

The mighty structure rising out of the drained river bed has disproved the skeptics who thought a project like Bujagali was not possible in Uganda.

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leooderaomolo@yahoo.com

EAST African Community: SWEDISH FIRM WINS MULTI MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR STUDIES ON POWER SHORTAGES

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SWEDISH FIRM WINS A MULTIMILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT TO STUDY THE FUTURE OF ELECTRICTY INTERCONNECTIONS, TRANSMISSIONS AND SUPPLIES IN EAST AFRICA.

Business News By Leo Odera Omolo In Kisumu City.

SWECO, a Swedish. Multinational company has won euro 1,227,000 {about Ushs 4 billion} to conduct a feasibility study on the potential and proposals for the interconnection of electricity between Uganda and Tanzania.

The deal, according to Radio Uganda monitored here, is aimed at reducing the power shortage in the region, and is being carried out on behalf of the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company limited{UETCL}.

An impeccable source in Kampala, says the project would help the expansion plan for power generation and transmission system of Kenya,Tanzania and Uganda.

Sweco will also carry out a study to establish the existing and committed generation and transmission system, and determine the least cost of expanding the power system to meet the demand growth of the three countries. It will further be required to strengthen the interconnection links where it is appropriate.

This will entail studying load forecasting, assessment of hydropower/geothermal resources, develop supply reliability or criteria, examine interconnections, look for alternatives, identify transmission corridor, system analyses, least extension and economic analysis.

The head of the UETCL, Erias Kiyemba, confirmed the deal over the weekend. Experts, however, argue that by interconnecting the power grids around Lake Victoria, it is possible to reduce the shortage and ensure a more stable electricity supply in the region.

According to other reports, Sweco is already involved in similar assignments and contracts in other African countries, which included Botswana, Ethiopia, Mozambique, Angola and Tanzania.

“Over the past 50 years, Sweco has worked in many African countries to improve access to electricity in urban and rural areas,” Sweco president, Eva Nygren said.

“There is still a serious lack of electricity in the East African region, a problem that is creating obstacles for commercial and industrial development and progress”, he added.

According to the existing East African Power Master Plan, the interconnection of the electricity power lines will create two rings, one around Lake Victoria that will link Tanzania ,Kenya ,Uganda and Rwanda. Another interconnection power line will be around Lake Kivu and Edwards and will also link DR Congo, Uganda, Rwanda and Burundi.

Among the schemes approved are 249km interconnection that will carry 270kv between eastern Uganda town of Jinja and Lessos in the North Rift region of Kenya. The other is the 220kv, Mbarara{Uganda} to Birembe {Rwanda} interconnection, which is 172km apart.

The East African region is currently characterized by very high power prices, insufficient and unreliable supply of power, and very low rate of electricification.

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leooderaomolo@yahoo.com