Inter-state electricity network 'awaiting funding'

12 October 2009

A regional electricity project is still awaiting funding confirmation after the announcement of an estimated cost of $282 million (£178.6 million).

The network is expected to see the installation of 700 kilometres of new transmission lines to begin in 2010 and be completed in 2014.

Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Burundi and Rwanda are collaborating on the programme.

Emmanuel Nzabanita, who represented the latter country during this week's meeting among key stakeholders and investors in Kampala, told the New Times the resulting power exchange market would bring stability, affordability and competitiveness to the sector.

While the African Development Bank has already approved some $162 million, other possible investors including the World Bank, the Dutch government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency have yet to confirm their participation.

The project is being implemented in part by the Nile Equatorial Lakes Subsidiary Action Programme, which also acts as a consultant in 12 other regional projects such as hydropower development and water resources management.

Category: General