The implementation of the Grid Expansion and Reinforcement Project (GERP) in West Nile is well underway. Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) begun stringing the transmission cables on the 67km Kole-Gulu stretch under Phase One of the Grid Expansion and Reinforcement Project (GERP). The GERP is also known as the Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua Transmission Line construction project.
The Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua Transmission Line construction project aims to set up three new 40MVA substations which will be built at Gulu, Nebbi, and Arua. In addition, the project seeks to develop a 132kV switching station at Kole. Moreover, it aims to establish a 289km 132kV double-circuit transmission line. The line runs from Kole District through Gulu and Nebbi to Arua.
In September, a delegation of over 10 Members of Parliament representing the people of West Nile were happy to witness the first tower erected West of the Nile and that was a clear indication of the promised connection to the grid. They were further glad to note that 72 towers were erected out of the 896 for the entire project as well as promising progress at the substations.
Lawrence Kimbowa the UETCL deputy spokesman says, West Nile region will be connected to the national grid come 2023. However, he explained that this is if other factors remain constant.
“UETCL is aware that the West Nile region’s unreliable electricity supply has hindered the development of the economy and industry. UETCL is therefore making every effort to complete the task on time. The substations in Kole, Gulu, Nebbi, and Arua are all currently 75% complete. Had it not been due to challenges faced by both UETCL and the contractors, the works could have been completed in September,” Mr Kimbowa said, adding that the contractor requested a six-month contract extension which ends in March.
Mr Kimbowa said Covid-19 pandemic remained an impediment to the project as it affected manufacture, shipment and project teams’ deployment.
“The substation contractor has faced delay in the manufacture of control and protection equipment. It is understood that this has arisen due to the global shortage of semiconductor chips that have affected the completion of works,” he said.
“Recently, the four substations’ key pieces of equipment were installed. This equipment includes transformers, circuit breakers, and voltage transformers. In addition, they include current transformers, surge arrestors, post insulators, as well as disconnectors. Steel structures have also been delivered to the site. We are moving quickly to construct the transmission lines that will run through the 289km route,” explained Mr. Kimbowa.
Noteworthy, the construction of the Nebbi and Arua substations is estimated at Shs2.973 billion. This cost is inclusive of the associated 33kV power line interconnectors from Nebbi and Arua substations. The construction costs of the transmission lines on the other hand is US$ 18.177m (about Shs17.417 billion).
When contacted for a comment on West Nile power problems, Ibrahim Kasita a Senior Stakeholder Engagement Officer at Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA) said that Government is committed to ensuring that West Nile region is connected to sustainable electricity supply for socio-economic transformation.
Kasita added that transmission projects to connect West Nile on the national grid are in progress and Government expects to fully have it connected next year.
“We are confident West Nile will be lit soon because this project is very key to the development of the region,” he said
Grid Expansion And Reinforcement Project Sensitization And Delay
Mr. Joseph Ogwal the UETCL Principal Environment Officer revealed that UETCL has initiated a broad community sensitization on health and safety issues. The sensitization is meant to inform the locals about what is happening and the safety measures along these transmission corridors.
Additionally, the UETCL Principal Environment Officer revealed that they are working with local leaders at all levels to support the activity and secure it in order to prevent vandalism.
“The sensitization is intended to inform the communities along these transmission corridors on what is going on and the safety measures. We are also working with the local leaders at all levels to support this activity and secure it to avoid vandalism in the process,” Mr Ogwal said.
The Grid Expansion and Reinforcement Project could have been completed in September this year if it weren’t for the challenges faced by both UETCL and the contractors. The COVID-19 pandemic, according to Mr. Kimbowa, continues to pose a challenge to the project since it has an impact on manufacturing, shipping, and the deployment of project teams.
KEC International Ltd is contracted by UETCL to undertake the construction of the 132kv Kole-Gulu-Nebbi-Arua transmission lines and associated lines, Avic International Holdings Corporation is contracted to build the four substations.
The construction cost for the transmission lines is $18.177 million (about Shs17.417 billion), while the substations (Nebbi and Arua with associated 33kV power line interconnectors from Nebbi and Arua Substation) are valued at Shs2.973 billion.
