The supply of 24-hour hydro electric power in West Nile is increasingly becoming a reality after tests have been carried out successfully on Nyagak Dam.
The tests, three in all, have been conducted on the dam’s two turbines capable of generating 3.5-megawatts.
Simon D’Ujanga, the state minister for energy, confirmed that the wet tests were successfully done starting Saturday last week. He said test running it on the grid starts this week. The wet tests followed successful dry runs.
The dam’s reservoir has been filled successfully, creating a man-made lake between Paidha and Nyapea.
The final test run is being carried out this week and the power will supply the two major towns of Paidha and Nebbi. According to D’Ujanga after these tests Nyagak Dam will be ready to start full operations.
Excitement in Paidha town is reaching fever pitch with locals thronging the dam area, with many wanting to be the first to see Nyagak dam power on.
Steady supply has been West Nile’s biggest demand for decades. Presently local power utility firm, Wenreco, uses a 1.5-megawatt generator to ration power to the three towns of Arua, Nebbi and Paidha. Moyo and Adjumani run on isolated generators by Uganda Electricity Distribution Company.
Major West Nile towns like Pakwach, Parombo, Panyimur, Zombo, Alangi, Nyadri, Koboko, Oraba and Yumbe are not on the grid, with locals making private power arrangements.
