South Sudan’s Kiir, Museveni discuss hydro-electric power plans
By Julius N. Uma
December 20, 2010 (GULU) — Southern Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir Mayardit and his Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni discussed possibilities of constructing hydropower stations along the River to benefit the semi-autonomous region.
The revelation, according to a state house communiqué, was the outcome of the bilateral talks the two leaders held in Uganda over the weekend.
In Uganda, hydro electricity remains the main source of power, especially for the industrial sector. Currently, the country generates only 300 megawatts, yet its needs are estimated to be above 340 megawatts.
However, plans are underway to generate another 250 megawatts by 2012 with the completion of the Bujagali power project.
The Ugandan government, noted Museveni, intends to generate 3,800 megawatts of power within the next five years, adding the only locally-generated revenue would be used in the project.
“We also have plans to generate 17,000 megawatts by 2025,” the Ugandan leader is quoted to have, while urging his counterpart to focus on industrialization and construction of roads to boost his country’s economy and the welfare of his people.
The large number of industries commissioned in Uganda, Museveni said, had played a big role in expanding the national tax base.
SELF-DETERMINATION REFERENDUM
Meanwhile, the two neighboring leaders also talked about the prospects of having the self-determination referendum in Southern Sudan conducted in a manner that respects the choice and decision of the population.
About 3.5 million people are expected to vote in the January 2011 referendum. The vote is a key part of Sudan’s 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), which ended over two decades of a bloody civil war between north and south.
Kiir, also Sudan’s first vice president was accompanied by regional co-operation minister Deng Alor, finance minister David Deng Athorbei, internal affairs minister Gier Chuang Aloung and the presidential affairs minister, Cirino Hiteng Ofuho.
(ST)