The defects in the Isimba Dam’s overflow channel will undergo a real-world model examination (RME) in China to pinpoint the underlying cause of the structural issues and determine if a supplementary overflow channel is needed, the Parliamentary Committee on Environment and Natural Resources has decided.
The Committee Head, Hon. Herbert Ariko, revealed the decision following an inspection visit and a high-level meeting with principal stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Development, Uganda Electricity Generation Company Limited (UEGCL), China International Water and Electric Corporation (the builder), and Artelia & KKATT Consults (the client’s consultant).
During a news conference on Wednesday, 05 March 2025 at Parliament, Ariko stated that the stakeholders acknowledged the problem and are determined to rectify it.
“The RME is a vital step in determining the source of the flaws and guaranteeing that we implement the correct fixes. The results of the 1:20 size model test will inform us about the fundamental cause of the overflow channel flaws, while the 1:40 model test will establish whether the dam requires an additional overflow channel to satisfy discharge capacity demands,” he said.
A team comprising representatives from the client’s consultant, the builder, UEGCL, the Ministry of Energy, and a panel of experts will travel to China to observe the tests.
Ariko emphasized that the process must be finished by 30 March 2025, to be followed by technical recommendations which will guide the repair procedure.
In addition to the RME, a specialized team has been assigned with assessing the steps required to create dry conditions for effective inspection and repairs.
“This is a matter of national significance; we anticipate all parties to strictly abide by the agreed timelines so that we can resolve these flaws permanently,” Ariko added.
The committee also resolved that the Minister for Energy will continue to provide overall direction on the project.
“In the event of any disagreements during execution, the minister may appoint a mediator to facilitate amicable resolution, overruling the standard dispute resolution mechanisms in the engineering, procurement, and construction contract,” he stated.
Under the accelerated work plan, the builder is required to revise the Master Completion Schedule by addressing all comments from the client’s consultant and submitting a final, approved version to the employer by 30 April 2025. The builder must also designate an experienced planning manager to supervise the process in accordance with contract provisions.
Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing to establish a separate insurance policy specifically for the overflow channel work, distinct from the general Construction All Risks Policy.
A combined meeting of the Ministry of Energy, Solicitor General, UEGCL, Insurance Regulatory Authority, the client’s consultant, and the builder will be called urgently to finalize the details.
“We are adopting a thorough approach to ensure that all aspects, from technical solutions to financial safeguards, are addressed. This dam is crucial to Uganda’s power generation, and we cannot afford any further delays,” he said.
The Minister of State for Energy, Hon. Sidronius Okasaai, stated that the expenses for fixing the issue could reach about US $150 million. He said the figures could decrease or increase depending on what is on the site.
“One of them is the overflow channel. The other is a complete strategy to finalize the work, and considering insurance and carrying out the work plan… when you look at the demand and supply of electricity in the immediate future, we are going to the negative, and so removing 183 megawatts off the supply network will indeed cause a catastrophe,” he said.
Prof. Wang Yongtian, the Vice President, China International Water and Electric Corporation, said they are committed to complete the work and guarantee quality.
