The construction of Wambabya Dam in Hoima District will be completed by next year, contractors have said. Hydro Max Ltd's Assistant Construction Manager Syed Shahid Basha told the district LC5 chairperson, Mr George Bagonza, that the work was going on at a good speed.

Last week a team of officials from the district led by Mr Bagonza visited the site to assess the progress of the project. "Construction work commenced in July and we anticipate completing the project by next year (2009)" Mr Basha said.

He said an environmental impact assessment and feasibility study of the project and sensitisation had long been finalised before construction work begun. "Maximum efforts will be made to conserve the environment along the catchment areas," Mr Basha said.

Hydro Max employed Mr Robert Byaruhanga an environmentalist to guide the company on how best the environment along the river should be conserved. Mr Basha said the project will produce nine megawatts and is expected to cover five km of the river.

"We shall have three turbines with each producing three megawatts," Mr Basha said. He revealed that the company so far employs 100 people and will require up to 300 workers in the final stages of the construction.