Tanzania and Uganda may cooperate in the development of a mini hydro-power project on the River Kagera. Uganda has plans to construct a small 10 MW facility at Kasiteti Falls near the Kikagate border, but the consent of the Tanzanian Government is required in order to move forward with the project. According to the Monitor, the Tanzanian government has agreed in principle to cooperate in the development of the project.
Uganda and Tanzania share the river but a portion of the land needed for the development is on the Tanzanian side of the border. An unresolved boundary issue has impeded the commencement of construction.
Uganda’s Energy and Mineral Minister Daudi Migereko, and his Tanzania counterpart William Ngeleja, and other officials from both countries met on August 31 and came to an agreement to cooperate in developing the hydro-project.
"I confirm that Tanzania is committed to develop this project and the construction should be expeditiously done," Minister Ngeleja said. "It is our desire that the project is completed in the shortest possible time such that our people benefit."
Migereko has also asked for the use of the bridge on the river that links the two countries (at Kikagate border post) to facilitate the transportation of construction materials. The Ugandan minister also requested that the Tanzania government allow the use of River Kagera for putting up a retaining dam.
In response to the request from Migereko, Minister Ngeleja said, "The issues raised by the Minister [Migereko] will be addressed soon so that the two countries move together to make the project a reality."
China Shan Sheng Industry International Ltd., which has been contracted to construct the project, is ready to commence a feasibility study. The environmental impact assessment has been completed and the water and construction permits, among others, have all been acquired.
The generated power will feed both countries and be used by other neighboring countries.