The Mbarara–Nkenda High Voltage Power Line is a high voltage electricity power line, connecting the high voltage substation in the city of Mbarara, in the Western Region to another high voltage substation at Nkenda, also in the Western Region of Uganda.[1]
| Mbarara–Nkenda High Voltage Power Line | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | Uganda |
| Coordinates | 00°15′26″N 30°06′58″E / 0.25722°N 30.11611°E |
| General direction | East to West |
| From | Mbarara, Uganda |
| Passes through | Ishaka, Kasese |
| To | Nkenda, Uganda |
| Ownership information | |
| Owner | Government of Uganda |
| Partners | African Development Bank, French Development Agency |
| Operator | Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited |
| Construction information | |
| Construction started | 2014 |
| Expected | Commissioning 2019 |
| Technical information | |
| Type of current | AC |
| Total length | 160 km (99 mi) |
| AC voltage | 132kV |
| No. of circuits | 2 |
Location
editThe 132 kilo Volt power line starts at the Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (UETCL) 132kV substation at Mbarara, Mbarara District, the largest city in Uganda's Western Region. From there it travels westwards to the town of Ishaka, Bushenyi District, a distance of approximately 61 kilometres (38 mi).[2] From Ishaka, the power line takes a general northerly direction and travels through Rubirizi, Kikorongo and Kasese, to end at Nkenda, a distance of approximately 108 kilometres (67 mi), from Ishaka.[3] The power line does not follow the road all the time as is slightly shorter, measuring a total of 160 kilometres (99 mi).[4]
Overview
editThe power line was developed as part of plans to improve grid power delivery and reliability to the districts in the Western Region of Uganda. The power line also picks up the power generated by about 5 to 6 small hydro projects in the Rwenzori Region for integration into the national grid. A loan obtained from the French Development Agency (AFD), was used in funding the construction of this power line, including a 132/33kV substation at Mbarara.[5]
Construction
editWork on this power transmission line began in 2014.[5] Completion was initially planned for 2015. However due to delays with land acquisition,[6] completion was not achieved until February 2019.[1][4] In addition to funding from the French Development Agency, the African Development Bank lent US$34 million (UShs122.4 billion), towards the construction of this power transmission project.[6]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b The Independent (7 June 2019). "Museveni attributes persistent power outages to use of old electric poles, wires". The Independent (Uganda). Kampala. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Distance Between Mbarara And Ishaka" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Ishaka, Uganda And Nkenda, Uganda" (Map). Google Maps.
- ^ a b African Development Fund (June 2019). "Project: Electricity Transport (Mbarara–NKenda & Tororo–Lira Power Transmission Lines): Project Completion Report" (PDF). Abidjan: African Development Fund. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ a b Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited (29 January 2014). "Projects Under Implementation". Kampala: Uganda Electricity Transmission Company Limited. Retrieved 14 August 2020.
- ^ a b Stephen Wandera (29 May 2019). "Donors threaten to withdraw Shs234b for power project". Daily Monitor. Kampala. Retrieved 14 August 2020.