Reports Leo Odera Omolo

INFORMATION emerging from the Arusha based secretariat of the East African Community says Energy Ministers across East Africa are set to meet by the end of this month to discuss a regional master plan, seek to end the bloc’s crippling power shortage

The EAC secretariat is reported to be in the process of finalizing details of the meeting which s expected to attract executives from regulating authorities and private sectors power producers.

They will discuss regional priorities in terms of power generation and transmission in line with EAC power master plan and agree on fund raising initiatives,

The forthcoming gathering is also expected to develop a framework that will enable regional governments an the private sector to invest in energy generation projects.

The East African region is battling power shortage which in 2011 plunged the block into darkness, slowing business growth and hurting household. The power cuts signaled one of East Africa’s perennial problems; the bloc has never had enough power in the first lace. In Kenya for example, only 48 per cent of urban and 4 per cent rural households are connected to the national grid.

In the neighboring Tanzania, 12-hour began in June, when a drop in water levels in Mtera Dam in Iringa region forced Tanzania Electric Supply Company to resort to load shedding. Industries reported shrinking their work day from two to a single shift, and some suspending production.

It has been reported that the EAC Council Ministers had directed the secretariat to fast-track the establishment of the EAC power pool by June 2012, to enable power sharing within the region.

The EAC earmarked several priority projects that are critical for ensuring interconnectivity and for enhancing power generation. For example,Singida-Arusha Nairobi 400KV inter connector is expected to be complete by 2014

The EAC Secretary General Dr Richard Sezibera, says the feasibility study and preparation of tender documents for 400KV transmission line through Singida, Arusha and Nairobi will cost USD 3 million. Bujagali 250MW project is currently under the construction and the project is expected to be commissioned in the course of this year The cost of thus particular project is estimated at USD116 million.

The 220KV transmission between Uganda and Rwanda funded by AfDB will cost USD 57 million, according to the EAC’s CEO

Another 220KV transmission between Burundi and Rwanda will cost USD 20 million and it is expected to be completed by2014.

The Rusumo Nyakanz i220KV, Rusumo-Kigai 220KV interconnection and Rsumo-Bujumbura 220Kv interconnection should be complete by 2015.

The 2,100MW Stiengiers hydro-power is expected to materialize in 2017,while Kiwira Coal Plant in Tanzania with a capacity to generate 200MW will become operational in 2014

Rwanda peat power production is projected to generate 400MW by 2013, while Burundi will commence a peat power plant with 200 MW by 2015.

Ayago hydro power with a capacity to generate 600MW by 2018 and Rusumo hydro-power will generate 90MW by2016.

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