Leaders want UETCL to install an independent sub-station for the industrial park

By Geofrey Achora Jr

PAKWACH: The leadership of Pakwach district local government have tasked Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited to reconsider their plan and install an autonomous electricity substation in the area to help in the industrialization of the planned Pakwach science and technology industrial park set to be established in Atara in Alwi Sub County under the Uganda Investment Authority.

According to Robert Omito Steen the Pakwach district chairperson, it will be absurd for such a mega project to tap electricity from Olwiyo and Nebbi substation arguing that it requires a constant power supply with machines that guzzles power extensively

“We have got a lot of potential here that requires a substation like the science and technology industrial park its guzzler of power cannot rely on Olwiyo and other substations in the region our appeal is please consider this as soon as possible” Omito said.

Pakwach district local government through the council has designated over 1,000 hectares of land for the establishment of a science and technology industrial park and inspected for approval by the Uganda Investment Authority aimed.

During the stringing phase on the 53 km Pakwach-Nebbi substation line in Andibo Village Panyango Sub County in Pakwach district, Joseph Ogwang presenting the commission’s executive director said at this phase of connectivity, the region should refocus its plan on investing in viable economic activities   with set reliable and stable electricity at the grass root level

He explained adopting the demand of the district requires planning and specification from the central government but assured the region of stable and reliable electricity to spur development and boost commercial agriculture.

“This particular project aimed at promoting socio and community development by bringing power close to where it’s needed this is one of the regions of Uganda which is still under serve with electricity and specifically not yet connected to the National grid. This project was designed purposely to solve that problem and today we want to have a practical session where the leadership of the district who have already owned this project before be able to witness and pass the message” he said.

With Concerns arising on the time frame of completing the project by the district leaders, however, Nandan Lalwani the project manager of KEC international limited a contracted company undertaking the project expressed the commitment to meeting the deadline of 2023

Nandan said the company has enough manpower to complete both 53 Pakwach-Nebbi and 63 km Nebbi-Arua before the project schedule.

He adds: “We have this project on top of our priority we are doing all our best to complete this project during this short time, there’s no cause for alarm we are on course” 

For the effective community embracement of the project, Paul Eseru the Pakwach Resident District Commissioner officer said the government will consider the passionate demand of the district saying it resonates with the NRM Manifesto of industrialization and wealth creation.

He also highlighted the need for regular feedback and harmonization of grievances with the community.

Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited is mandated to coordinate the power supply system to obtain an instantaneous balance between the generation and consumption of electricity, coordinate transmission outages, and prepare forecasts of capacity requirements.