Charles Mugisha, the manager of Saem Engineering Company Limited that is currently running the hydro project, says human activities along the river banks like farming have led to silting and reduction in the water levels which has, in turn, led to a reduction in power generation.
George Musinguzi, the UPDF Spokesperson in Busoga sub region, says they have teamed up with experts from the National Environment Management Authority and National Fisheries Resources Research institute-NAFIRRI to ensure that their operations are nondestructive to aquatic life.
According to ESKOM Uganda Limited, the company with a concession to operate and maintain Nalubaale and Kiira Hydro Power stations, the floating Island which originated from Lake Victoria Basin as a result of the current rising water levels created extensive debris and waste material that blocked the water intake screens, through which water for power generation is transported.
The island was part of Lake Victoria’s shore which shrunk into the lake but floated towards River Nile and blocked the power generation plants after heavy winds on Monday night.
Turbines at the three main power supply plants of Nalubaale, Kiira, and Bujjagali were blocked by a floating island on Monday night. The blockage sent the country in a total blackout for close to one hour.
Muwanga says there is no material uncertainty which may cast doubt on the companys ability to continue as a going concern. The Auditor General, however, points out a number of critical occurrences in the power generation sub-sector which require urgent attention.
President, Yoweri Museveni has finally admitted that Bujagali Energy Limited power generation costs are much higher leading to distortion of electricity prices in the country.
Members of Parliament were on Thursday again united in throwing out another government request to use 209 billion shillings to subsidize power supply in the country through private companies generating thermal power.
