I think this is just another case of one bad agreement with an "investor" whereby government was drawn into a narow hole from which it cannot turn its head to come out. The explanation is clear. Why would it be less costly to connect Adjumani and Moyo to the national grid and more costly to make such a connection to other parts of West Nile. Secondly, unless government would want the West Nilers to believe that there is more demand for power in north-eastern (Karamoja) region then the the whole explanation of demand and cost do not manifest whether be it from technically competent persons, senior (seasoned) politicians or otherwise. These are simply explanations, call them "reasoning" uncalled for in modern times, where we are expected to be politically aware and cautious. To me the fact is, until now power in Adjumani and Moyo are still being distributed by Umeme (U) Ltd thus the easy way out for government it to tap in from UETCL and UEGCL, having realised the economic impracticability of using the diesel powered generators in those two towns, saying the least about consumption in there. While for the case of the rest of West Nile electrical power generation, transmission and distribution was placed under the 20-year concession of WENRECo. If the government is only buying time for the concession to expire before connecting the region to the national grid, let it say so other than knocking West Nilers' heads on issues of demand and costs. We would rather be told that for 20 years from the date of the agreement West Nile will suffer after which the situation would normalise, knowing that the government would not be willing to spend a peny to for likely compensations in case it backtracked on its agreement with WENRECo. I think the explanation of demand has long been defeated when the little experiment with the 1.5MW diesel power plant at Ewuata/Odia-Nyadri was set up purpotedly to stimulate demand and later, rampant power failures and short supplies were explained in terms of excess demand over its supply (generation capacity). So what is it about this new experiment with 0.2MW (1.75 - 1.5)MW difference? Elsewhere, power development is used to stimulate (inspire) growth following potential demand. Uganda seems to be doing the opposite. Then where is the chant of development? 'Ba adri baa 'ba i. Aggrey Adrale
--- On Sun, 16/9/12, Vasco Oguzua <[email protected]> wrote: From: Vasco Oguzua <[email protected]> Subject: Re: [WestNileNet] Does the recent Commissioning of the Nyagak solve West Nile's demand for the energy needs? To: "A Virtual Network for friends of West Nile" <[email protected]> Date: Sunday, 16 September, 2012, 20:35 http://www.monitor.co.ug/News/National/Museveni+switches+on+Nyagak/-/688334/1508300/-/32bm7z/-/index.html Dear Ladies and Gentlemen and sympathizers of the West Nile region I came across this article above which was in the monitor about the commissioning of the Nyagak by the president. Based on what the information in the article, I wonder if the years of the squabbles about Nyagak has any value to the region even after commissioning the power station. In my personal view there is a deliberate neglect and undermining of any development prospects in the region with the intent of letting the region slide backwards than trying to meet the challenges of 21st century. The 4 hours of electricity supply which they have indicated in the paper, the 1.5 million shillings per pole for the transmission and the 1.75 MW power production they have mentioned will be supplied makes me wonder if there is a deliberate intent to keep the people of Wes Nile in the dark ages. Unfortunately, there was no reason given to as to why Nyagak can only supply 4 hours of electricity to the region when the hype about Nyagak was that it would solve all energy problems of the region, let alone now talking of connecting Moyo and Adjumani to the National grid without even mentioning when that will be. Why is this government playing "yoyo" with the people of West Nile in such a deliberate manner. It is as if the region does not need power and the government is only doing the region a favour to provide 4 hours of electricity. The interesting thing is the elected officials in government both local and national seem to be content with this kind of treatment. What kind of development can the region achieve with 4 hours of electricity. If the small diesel generator of the 60's and 70's could provide 24 hour power supply why is it impossible to supply 24 hour power supply to West Nile in this 21st century technology era. What is wrong with us we people of West Nile that we allow ourselves to be treated in this beggarly manner when we contribute equally well in aspects of production of the country. The other day I read the dilapitating situation in hospitals in West Nile where they specifically mentioned the situation in Moyo and Adjumani Hospitals . The next day I read that the Pakwack ID inspection have again started. Why are we treated as if we are not a part of Uganda. even foreigners are treated with respect than we the people of West Nile. Why are we docile about all these issues. If our elected officials do not see any problems with all these issues I think it is our responsibility as the civic society of West Nile to take up these issues. These issues really make me feel the agony of the rural population in West Nile. If we the educated sons and daughters of West Nile can not stand up for the development of our region who will help us to develop our region! -----Inline Attachment Follows----- _______________________________________________ WestNileNet mailing list [email protected] http://orion.kym.net/mailman/listinfo/westnilenet WestNileNet is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way. _______________________________________________
_______________________________________________ WestNileNet mailing list [email protected] http://orion.kym.net/mailman/listinfo/westnilenet WestNileNet is generously hosted by INFOCOM http://www.infocom.co.ug/ The above comments and data are owned by whoever posted them (including attachments if any). The List's Host is not responsible for them in any way. _______________________________________________
