At the end of 2018, permanent employers at the multimillion dollar Karuma hydro-power project will live in a comfortable environment after Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited and Sinohydro Corporation Ltd, the Chinese firm undertaking the construction procured local contractors for workers camp.
Once completed, the 600MV Karuma power dam in Kiryandongo District will require a staff of 50 experts on ground daily.
The Permanent Employer’s camp shall include the main office block for UEGCL’s operation and maintenance team, a laboratory, canteen, visitor’s centre, a club house, a guest house and staff housing for different types, among others.
“The camp is situated in a well-planned secure area with recreation facilities for staff members and their families,” said Eng. Dr. Harrison Mutikanga the UEGCL chief. “Our staff are currently living in hotel that also doubles as the UEGCL Karuma office.”
“With the commissioning of the Permanent Employers Camp, let Ugandans know that we are going to change the skyline of this area forever,” he added.
Commissioning the works, State Minister for Energy Hon. Simon D’ujanga underscored the importance of the employers’ camp. “To attract the best talent for operation and maintenance of this project, we shall need to have good facilities like housing, recreation and research.”
“Karuma HPP is so key as us as UEGCL as a lot of money continues to be invested here,” commented Eng. Proscovia Margaret Njuki the Chairpersonship of UEGCL Board. “Our experts need to be comfortable and happy with their families so that they can fully concentrate on the job.”
The camp shall be built progressively in the next one year in different lots by local contractors Krishna Construction Company and Seyani International.
Dr. Mutikanga also revealed that the camp project will be strictly monitored to deliver on local content/Buy Uganda Build Uganda (BUBU) policy.
“The master plan and plans have been prepared by a multi-disciplinary team of local consultants working for Sinohydro,” he said.
“The local manufacturers of steel, cement and other construction materials will be our suppliers for this project. Some money has to trickle into our people’s pockets and I have given strict instructions to have people from the Karuma community be considered for the jobs they are able to so.”
In his closing comments following the project commissioning, Project Steering Committee headed by Eng. Badiru Kiggundu thanked the people of Kiryadongo and Oyam Districts for their continued interest in the project.
