Karuma hydro power project is in its final preparations to undertake the third stage river diversion on April 15, 2019.
The 600 megawatts hydro power project breathed a sign of relive and fresh air when it successfully removed the second stage cofferdams; the event was greeted with cheerful and vibrant workers as they were very excited to achieve this great milestone that will surely lead to a successful completion of the project.
The removal of the cofferdam which is only a first step in the successful river diversion was built on the 11th of June 2015 to block water to enable construction of underground structures go on smoothly with interruptions from water flow.
River diversion will be done in order to help the construction of the remaining dam blocks namely 17 to 21.
As per now, blocks 1 to 16 have been completed. Prohibiting diversion is the upstream cofferdam that is currently being removed so as to fill the upstream area around the floating trash racks. Excavation is being done continuously on the cofferdam to ensure that this is met.
The cofferdam was designed according to the 25year flood standard.
Total length of the upstream cofferdam is about 381 meters and the elevation of the dome is at an elevation 1032m, and the maximum filling height is 12m. The filling volume is 110,000 m³. The maximum water level between the riverbed at upstream cofferdam and downstream water level of coffer dam is about 6.8m. The water filling capacity is about 360000 m³to ensure water intake.
According to the contractor Sinohydro corporation limited, the project is on course and they are hopeful that with the support and commitment by all stakeholder the Karuma hydro power project will be completed within the contract extension period of 2019.
Once completed the Karuma hydro power plant will reduce the cost of electricity in the country and improve industrialization, production and economic growth of Uganda in line with the Government’s vision 2040.
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