Mbale, (UG): The State Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Sidronius Okaasai Opolot has commended the efforts of power regulator; Electricity Regulation Authority (ERA) as the eastern region gets new electricity substation in Mbale city.
“We are here to show MPs what the money they allocate us does. Already the budgeting process is around the corner and we’re going to ask for more funds. But they (MPs) need to know the basis for which they give us money” Minister Okaasai stated.
Mr Okaasai explained that the primary aim of this substation is to address the prevalent issue of power blackouts in the Eastern region.
“…the region has been experiencing frequent blackouts due to multiple factors such as ageing poles, vandalism of wires, inadequate power supply, and mechanical issues with UMEME’s equipment, among other reasons,” he stated.
The newly constructed substation is projected to establish direct, independent power lines to vital locations like Mbale Regional Referral Hospital, Kumi, Mbale City, Karamoja, Mbale Industrial Park, Sebi, and others. Importantly, all these connections will be digitally and manually controlled from the substation at Mbale Industrial Park.
Dr Sarah Wasagali Kanabi, the Chairperson of ERA, expressed confidence that following this launch, people in the Eastern region would witness a significant reduction in power blackouts.
Last year, the government, under the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development through the Electricity Regulatory Authority (ERA), allocated sh3.2 billion to UMEME for the construction of a substation at Mbale Industrial Park.
The project also involved the replacement of old wires, poles, and other infrastructure in the Eastern region.
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