Dear members, Reference to a New Vision article on 28th September 2010 (Nebbi residents to decide power firm’s fate) and other correspondences regarding the same, I would like to challenge the members of this forum to put their voices together and deliberate on the fate of the new power generation company whose public hearing is due tomorrow 30th September 2010 at Arua Catholic Centre starting 2:00pm. Such views in my opinion can be documented and presented as part of a public hearing from the hundreds of members who contribute to this forum.
Albatros Energy Ltd from Mauritius, was approached by Government of Uganda to build a 10MW power plant in Pakwach to supply thermal electricity to the entire Westnile Region and parts of Acholi Sub region on a build, operate and own basis. As a requirement by ERA (the government regulator), there has to be a public hearing conducted in the areas where the power generated is to be supplied and related modalities. Time and again we (as people from West Nile) have been disadvantaged by electricity supply mainly as a result of: 1. Low power production: (1.5MW) by HFO plant currently run by WENRECO. This is inadequate to sustain any industrial development in region and as such the region misses out on significant investment opportunities. 2. High electricity tarrifs: One of the highest in the region (over 500/= per Kilowatt hour). UMEME charges a domestic tarrif of 385/= per Kilowatt hour and yet this is being fought by consumers. This has made access to and usage of electricity not only expensive but prohibitive and criminal 3. Irregular supply:West Nile (selected districts as such) receives 18 hours of power supply per day and at irregular intervals with a “take or pay” pay principle. 4. Monopoly of WENRECO: As the only generator and distributor in the region, WENRECO has overstepped its mandate with unrealistic charges on poles, services and tarrifs. The above incidences not to mention environmental degradation as a result of exploitation of woodfuel for alternative source of energy has had its toll on the region in all social and economic Encumbrances. What is your opinion therefore, as we strive to demand for reduced tarrifs, 24 hour supply, differentiation in power generation and distribution, higher capacity and many other associated benefits? Sam Ejibua
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