Erratic power supply riles Arua business community
NALWADDA NSANGI
Electricity users in West Nile have decried the continued adverse inconsistency and insufficiency of power in the region despite the increased water volumes in Nyagak River.
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The business community plus other electricity users expressed disappointment over the poor service of WENRECO, the firm that runs the power franchise in the district, saying that they operate in losses because of unstable and inadequate power supply which cause machines to break
Victor Vidal, the chairman of Uganda Small Scale Industries Association in Arua said politicians in Arua had lied President Museveni that 3.5 MW was enough to power Arua.
Jimmy Angubo, a power user said: "I am a milk processor and to run my coolers, I need 20litres of Diesel in a day which translates to 80,000/=, it’s not profitable at all. The last two years, I have been experiencing losses."
Some business people argued that if they are provided with power, all the idle youths would be absorbed in businesses thus tackling the issue of unemployment.
Vidal said: "The youths have been affected so much especially those who work in salons, metal works, etc, but right now the best they can do is abuse drugs."
Speaking to The Nile Post, Mukwaya Isaac, the Public Relations Officer, Wenreco said that the company has been able to secure a number of Light Diesel Generators that will back up the Hydro generated power and this will see at least Arua receive 24hrs of power supply.
