China-Africa Cooperation Forum: Hydro-power project to bring sea change to Ugandans

World
Europe

02:34

You probably have never thought of living your life without electricity, but there are some countries where electricity is scarce. Uganda is one of them. Most people there cannot afford to cook with electricity. But a hydro-power project is expected to make a difference in their lives pretty soon. CGTN's Li Jianhua went to the Isimba hydro-power project in Uganda and filed this report.

Beautiful view from high above. Hidden under bushes and trees is a typical village in Uganda. One thing the residents there are all in need of is electricity.

BUKENYA JUMA, LOCAL COUNCIL NAMPANY VILLAGE, KAYUNGA DISTRICT "Electricity in Nampany is a problem. There is no electricity throughout the entire village. People are resorting to using solar power, which is insufficient, because there is no money to support the accessories."

Twenty minutes' drive from the village, a hydro-power project, jointly financed by China, is under construction. The fourth biggest in Uganda, the project is expected to increase the country's electric capacity by 23 percent, making the price of electricity the lowest in East Africa.

Built on the White River Nile, the project is alleged to be harmful to the local eco-system. But some experts hold a different opinion.

HORIA BABAU PROJECT MANAGER, ARTELIA "A lot of voices are saying differently. This environmental study has been already performed. Basically, the lake is the smallest lake - it's a cascade type of powerhouse, so it's not such a thing. You may still go in there, go rafting and all the things that are very attractive to tourists. Because it's not a big lake, so it's not going to destroy the river."

The company's manager said 88 percent of the workers are locals and the surplus electricity could bring some extra revenue to Uganda.

WANG YONGTIAN PROJECT MANAGER, ISIMBA HYDROPOWER PROJECT "Uganda is in dire need of electricity. Once the hydro-power project is complete, it will, to a large extent, relieve the situation. And surplus electricity can be transported to neighbouring countries, so as to increase the country's revenue."

LI JIANHUA KAYUNGA, UGANDA "Some are concerned the hydro-power project may harm the eco-system of Uganda's Victoria Nile. But many Ugandans are applauding the project, as, according to them, it will reduce the price of electricity and create more jobs. LJH, CGTN, UGANDA."