By Emmanuel Okol
KATAKWI
Over 2000 households in Katakwi district shall receive free electricity connections in the area under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP) and ULDEC.
This was announced by the Minister for Energy, Ms. Ruth Nankabirwa Ssentamu while commissioning the Rural Electrification Programme power lines in the Katakwi district for Teso sub region on 13.02.2024.
At least 118.327km of distribution power lines (35.449km of MV lines, 82.878km of LV) were constructed in the district, and 25 transformers were installed in the eleven districts in Teso sub region funding from the Chinese Bank.
Speaking at a commissioning event organized at Katakwi Boma ground, Katakwi town council in Katakwi district, Minister Nankabirwa announced that 2,000 and above free connections would be made to households in the area under the Electricity Access Scale-Up Project (EASP) and ULDEC.
She said the electricity schemes commissioned on Tuesday are part of a bigger project in 91 districts. The Project covers 3,449.1km of Medium Voltage (MV), 7,131.61km of Low Voltage (LV) and the installation of 1,926 distribution transformers. The implementation by TBEA Co. Ltd currently stands at 90 per cent and is due for completion within this Financial Year.
“I wish to note that the Government of Uganda continues to prioritize the Energy Sector. Its efforts are evident in the Sustainable Energy Developmental objectives highlighted in the National Development Plan III. H.E., the President, has been at the forefront of ensuring universal access to Ugandans for socio-economic development, especially in rural areas. Access to sustainable energy contributes to a better-quality life, ensures job and wealth creation, and improves living standards, education, and health service delivery, among other benefits,” said the Minister.
The minister explained that the presence of modern energy in different communities unlocks access to improved healthcare and education, enhances economic opportunities, and catalyzes the growth of human development indicators.
The government had implemented the Electricity Connection Policy (ECP) to address the issue of the affordability of power in the country of Uganda.
The project budget seen by our website indicates that 983.5 billion will be used to handle the issue of power in the Teso sub region, mostly in the rural sector.
Joseph Andrew Koluo, MP Toroma County in a creditable way thanked the ministry of Energy and mineral resources for steering the electrification scale project in Teso sub region.
Koluo on the other hand asked the government through the ministry of energy to connect power to all sub counties in the Teso sub region.
“We are going to be following the connection as leaders of Teso until the ministry completes its connections work in the region,” Koluo said.
Koluo added that, Toroma as a county has some points where power has not reached i.e. Kapujan Sub County, Mangoro Sub County and Town council, Ongego Sub County, Amusia Sub County, Akurao, Okokorio and others.
Stanley Otim soldier in Chiele north in Getom sub county, Katakwi district one of the beneficiaries thanked the government of Uganda for the great initiative of supplying power to every Ugandan.
“Am going to use this power to change my status and the well-being of my family,” Otim said.
Geoffrey Omolo, chairman LCV Katakwi district in his remarks thanked the government of Uganda for the developmental opportunity that has been given to the people of Katakwi.
He appealed to the people of Katakwi to take this as very important and valuable towards development as we are going to modern world of 21st century.
Meanwhile, the chairman of chairpersons LCVs of Teso sub region who doubles as LCV Serere district, Hon. Stephen Ochola in his speech asked the ministry and leaders to closely monitor the project in order for it to yield fruits in Teso.
Godfrey Katamba, the Resident District Commissioner Katakwi district in his speech thanked the government of Uganda more so the National Resistance movement led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for having a positive attitude towards the people of Uganda.
“I request that we continue to work together to support Government projects throughout their implementation. Additionally, I encourage the communities to use this electricity productively,” RDC said.
