Power transmission is key in solving the country’s energy demands and is critical in the achievement of the third National Physical Development Plan (NDPIII) and Vision 2040.
Masaka-Mbarara, Uganda| In that regard, preparation for the proposed Masaka-Mbarara 400KV transmission line and associated substations project is underway
This will run from Masaka west substation in Kiteredde village in Lwengo district to Mbarara south substation
The project which is under Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) is a 131.98 Km of 400KV transmission line.
It will initially operate at 220KV as well as substations that will operate at 220KV. The substations will be upgraded from 220KV to 400KV at a later date.
The transmission line will predominantly run parallel to the existing 132KV line to the Mbarara North substation but will have deviation points in certain sections along the route.
The project aims to increase voltage reliability, security, and stability in Western Uganda as part of the Power Sector Investment Plan (PSIP).
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to improve Resettlement Action Plans (RAP), UETCL has embarked on training staff on social safeguards as required by international standards.
The training which is happening in Mbarara city is organized by GMT consults LTD, the RAP Implementation consultant for the project.
Alozius Gonza, the facilitator explains that the three weeks’ training highlights the importance of adhering to national legislation and international best practice guidelines while implementing government projects that meet donor funds requirements.
The World Bank environmental and social standards and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) also espouse these.
Eddie Nsamba Gayiiya, another RAP and social safeguards specialist asserts that the training aims to strengthen UETCL’s internal capacity to implement projects while meeting the transmission needs of the country.
It also ensures the sustainability of the livelihoods of the affected people, particularly in areas where the UETCL projects are being implemented.
“Staff will be able to expeditiously handle land acquisition while complying to national and international safeguards requirements for land acquisition,” he explains.
Alex Tumusiime, field team leader for the project says the training is appropriate and effective in meeting the beneficiaries’ needs.
“Our skills have been improved. We are also equipped with information on best practices for land acquisition especially from the national legal and project funder’s context,” he says.
The Project is being financed with a loan from the French Development Agency (AFD), the German development bank and the Government of Uganda.
Edward Muteesa, principal project officer says that UETCL has already developed the resettlement action plan with the support of GMT Consults.
“This shows who will be affected by this project and efforts will be launched to compensate them,” he maintains.
Meanwhile, operationally, the proposed project falls within the regional Interconnection project as part of the strategic energy exchange with regional partners, under the ongoing Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Plan (NELSAP) – a Nile Basin Initiative (NBI).
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