Nyagak Power dam reconstruction resumes amid protests by locals

By Stephen Candia –Arua
Reconstruction of the power dam at Nyagak in the newly created Zombo district has resumed amid protest by some locals over compensation for their land.
During a visit by officials from Arua district local government, Arua Municipal council, NRM office Arua, West Nile Rural electrification company ltd, 409 brigade commander and team, the Diso Arua, Wenreco, Zombo district to the site yesterday (Monday 18th April), it was found out at least 20 households are still demanding for compensation totaling to Fourty five million Uganda shillings.
The impromptu visit, which coincided with the monthly site meeting of Nyagak power project later generated a heated debate at Sky-Lux hotel in Paidha town between the West Nile leaders and officials from Electricity regulatory authority-ERA, Spencon Constructors, and Wenreco officials,
Sabo Kamilo, Arua district vice chairman questioned why the government cannot extend power from corner Kamdini in Oyam district to West Nile with the money ‘dumped in Wenreco and Nyagak’. “Our patience has run out, the ministry should take interest in monitoring Wenreco as the process of Nyagak power construction continues. I’m even wondering whether the 3.3 megawatt to be produced by Nyagak will be enough for West nile when Wenreco generator currently produces 1.7 Megawatts” kamilo questioned.
The RDC Zombo Rasul Aluma expressed fears that the current power problem in West Nile was been politicized by the opposition but commended the local leaders from Arua for taking initiative to visit the site to assess the level of development.
The LC five chairman elect for Zombo district Emmy Kakkuru Kizito said they were not happy with the delayed compensation of the over 20 local residents of Nyagak village that has also delayed the works at the power plant. “we are not happy with the delays by the management to compensate the land owners, we urge them to speed-up the process so that development can take-off in Zombo and West Nile region.” We are also under pressure from the Alur Kingdom officials for all these delays because they are aware that once the project is complete, we shall get revenue, employment and set up coffee and small holder tea processing factories here” Kakuru remarked.
The executive director for Nyagak project Kevin Kariuki urged the officials and the people of West Nile to appreciate the progress of the project and said they want the people of West Nile to be aware of each and every development process at Nyagak. He promised to procure a new generator for Wenreco as the old one is to be overhauled.
The officials also dismissed earlier reports that the water at Nyagak was drying up after physically seeing the river valley and its waters.
The team from Arua district led by the minister of state for transport Hon. Simon Ejua resolved that routine visits would be organized to Zombo to ascertain the progress of the construction works. END