The Kenya power company has rolled out an ambitious plan to fix current power interruption in Lodwar once and for all.
KPLC regional director Jared Biwott said the plans include both short term and long projects like purchase of a new generator to replace one which has broken down.
Biwott disclosed that in the long term, under the Lokichar-Lodwar Power connectivity project, the company will spend Sh1.03 billion to establish 100 km of 66kv line and a substation.
The project will ensure reliable, cost effective and clean electricity to Lodwar.
The substation will double the current power generated in Lodwar and address the current challenges.
The contract was awarded on October 17, this year and is set to be completed in April 2026.
“Two contractors have already been engaged for the works. The project will eliminate the huge costs of Sh900 million spent to use thermal generation,” he said.
According to the regional manager, load shedding, which is used to relieve stress on a primary energy source when demand for electricity is greater than the primary power source can supply, has caused power interruptions which have affected government institutions as well as private enterprises and residences.
In Lodwar, power outage has been caused by breakdown of one of the power generators causing residents to endure power interruptions for two months.
Traders in Lodwar, stormed the local Kenya Power station demanding an explanation for the frequent power outages that have plagued the town.
Company manager Mary Kirui said the company was working round the clock to provide short term and long-term solutions to the problem.
In the long run Lodwar will be connected to the national grid with the establishment of a power station in Lodwar, she said.
Other projects include solar projects under Kenya off grid solar projects that will be spread across the county.
Under the 86 public facilities standalone systems KOSAP project, public facilities will be installed with solar power.
The project will be implanted at a cost of Sh134 million.
Meanwhile, county housing director Brian Kangogo has said that Sh59.7 million project will be spent in affordable housing and market projects.
He said the contractor is expected to deliver by April next year.
The projects include Lokichar market, while affordable housing projects will be spread all over the county.
The market projects also include Lodwar municipal market, Kalakol fish market, Kakuma Municipal market and Lowerangak fish market.
Housing projects to be constructed are Lokorio police housing, Lokori Affordable housing Project, Turkwel economic stimulus project, Loima, Naduat and Kapedo affordable housing projects.
Turkana University College, Lodwar KMTC, Lodwar TVC, and Lorugum TVC have also been earmarked as part of beneficiaries of the projects.
KWS will also be included in the list of beneficiaries.
By Peter Gitonga