The Ugandan government and China International Water and Electric Corporation (CIWEC), the contractor responsible for the Isimba Hydropower Dam, have agreed to jointly address critical defects identified in the dam’s structure. This collaborative decision marks a shift from the government’s initial stance of holding the contractor solely accountable for the issues.
Key Developments:
- Joint Physical Model Test (PMT): Both parties have consented to conduct a Physical Model Test in China to evaluate and address erosion problems in the dam’s spillway. This test aims to ensure the structural integrity of the facility.
- Stakeholder Meetings: Immediate consultations among the Ministry of Energy, CIWEC, Uganda Electricity Generation Company, and other relevant stakeholders are planned to strategize the rehabilitation of the spillway.
Background:
Previous inspections revealed significant erosion in the spillway’s buffer zone, raising concerns about the potential risk of dam failure and downstream flooding. Experts cautioned that such a failure could lead to power shortages and endanger thousands of residents. Initially, CIWEC disputed the severity of the defects, leading to disagreements with government officials and Members of Parliament.
Current Status:
Following a joint site visit by MPs, government officials, the owner’s engineer, and CIWEC’s senior management, both parties have agreed to collaborate on the necessary repairs. The PMT in China will be observed by a team from the Ministry of Energy to ensure transparency and effectiveness in addressing the identified issues.
This cooperative approach signifies a commitment to resolving the structural challenges at Isimba Dam, aiming to safeguard the facility’s integrity and the safety of communities downstream.
