The Prime Minister Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja has met the Chairman of the China International Water and Electric Corporation (CIWEC), a Chinese Company behind the construction of Isimba Hydropower Project which is a subsidiary to the China communications Construction Company (CCCC).
The meeting that took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Fourth China – Africa Economic Trade Expo in the city of Changsha was also attended by Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa, Francis Mwebesa Minister for trade, Gen Jeje Odongo foreign affairs Minister, Musa Ecweru Works state minister and the members of the company’s top management.
The Prime Minister and the Chinese discussed various related to the completion of Isimba dam and other important partnerships in the transport sector.
The meeting comes after it was reported that Isimba dam is scheduled to be shut down later this year to address technical and structural defects.
These defects include issues with the spillway gates, concrete erosion beneath them, and other unspecified problems identified during routine inspections and the shutdown will allow for repairs, including fixing water inflow gates to the turbine areas, replacing powerhouse roof panels, installing guard lines and painting.
Concerns have been raised about the extent of the defects and the contractor’s progress in addressing them and the planned shutdown is necessary to ensure the dam’s structural integrity and operational reliability.
There was a joint effort between the Ugandan government and the China International Water and Electric Corporation (CIWEC) which is now underway to address the issues.
