The full feasibility phase of the trans-boundary Angololo Multipurpose Water Resources Development project between Kenya and Uganda is underway with the creation of a Regional Project Steering Committee (RPSC) formation of an independent International Dam Safety Panel of Experts (DSPoE) community sensitization and procurement of a consultancy firm to undertake various aspects of the feasibility study. This study encompasses feasibility study, conceptual and detailed designs, preparing tender documents, social and environmental impact assessment (ESIA) a resettlement and compensation action plan (RCAP) and plan for project implementation. This phase is funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB) NEPAD-IPPF for USD 1.5 million while Kenya and Uganda are each contributing USD 75,000.
Early March 2020 NELSAP and the countries conducted community sensitization meetings at Angololo dam site on both sides of the border. The Community sensitizations were led by Mr. Chrispine Juma Omondi, Director of Water Resources, Kenya and Mr. Wyclif Tumwebaza, NBI Liaisons Officer, representing the Uganda Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Water and Environment Mr. Alfred Okot Okidi. The meetings were attended by the Governor of Busia County of Kenya Hon. Sospeter Ojaamong and the District Commissioner of Namisindwa District of Uganda Mr. Kigai Moses.
“I am glad that this project has finally got funds for full feasibility and I hope that the feasibility will be successful so that its real implementation can start,” said Hon. Sospeter Ojaamong. The objective of the community sensitizations was to create awareness among the wider community, to explain to the community the scope of the envisaged project feasibility studies and to solicit community support and goodwill towards the
project study activities. The independent International Dam Safety Panel of Experts (DSPoE) was formed in March 2020 and consists of key experts in hydrology, geology, dam design and construction engineering. The panel will review and advise NELSAP on matters related to dam safety and other critical aspects like dam structures, reservoir, power facilities, dam filling and river diversion.
Kenya and Uganda have also formed a Regional Project Steering Committee (RPSC) that is composed of representatives of the Permanent/Principal Secretaries of the Ministries responsible for water, agriculture, irrigation and financial affairs of both countries. The RPSC is providing supervisory, advisory and strategic guidance, approving work plans, budgets, procurement plans and linkage with the relevant national institutions and are reporting back to their parent ministries. The Director of Trans-boundary Water Resources Ms. Gladys Wekesa is leading the Kenyan representation to the RPSC while the Uganda side is led by Mr. Jackson Twinomujuni, the Commissioner for International and Trans-boundary Water Affairs. The Angololo project is located on the trans-boundary Malaba River, within the Sio-Malaba Malakisi (SMM) River Basin within the Lake Victoria Basin. The project envisages a 43 million cubic metre dam for potable water supply, irrigation and hydropower generation. The project was identified by Kenya and Uganda in collaboration with NELSAP-CU. In 2010, NELSAP-CU with grant from the Royal Governments of Sweden and Norway undertook pre-feasibility studies.