Uganda Plans to Address Engineering Defects at Isimba Hydropower Dam Involving CIWE

The Ugandan government plans to address engineering defects at the Isimba hydropower dam, constructed by China International Water and Electric Corporation (CIWE) for $567.7 million. During a meeting on December 4, 2023, Energy Minister Ruth Nankabirwa announced that the Uganda Electricity Generation Co Ltd (UEGCL) shareholders tasked the ministry with fixing the dam's defects at CIWE's expense.

The dam, commissioned in March 2019, has a defect-liability period that has been extended multiple times due to ongoing issues. Key defects include concrete cracks, leakage, and inadequate spillway capacity, which have raised safety concerns.

The government has engaged legal counsel to ensure recovery of costs from CIWE. A status report and funding request will be presented to the Cabinet to facilitate repairs. The Auditor General's report highlighted issues with the absence of floating boom lines at multiple plants, further complicating maintenance efforts and safety.