Effects of the Bujagali Hydropower Project on Major Physico-Chemical Parameters of the Upper Victoria Nile Water in Uganda, East Africa

Abstract

The Bujagali hydropower project is a 250 megawatt facility that was set up to alleviate power shortages in Uganda. The project was perceived to have negative effects on major physico-chemical characteristics of the upper Victoria Nile water. Key water physico-chemical parameters monitored biannually in April and September from 2006 to 2015 at the upstream and downstream transects and in the reservoir were dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, TSS, oil/grease, conductivity and water clarity. Triplicate water samples for TSS plus oil and grease were analyzed from the laboratory following standard procedures. The rest of the parameters were determined in-situ using a CTD profiler. Reference for environmental compliance was made to NEMA and EU/WHO environmental discharge standards. All parameters were within acceptable limits i.e. dissolved oxygen (>3 mgl-1); temperature (20 to 35 °C); TSS (<100 mgl-1); oil and grease (<10 mgl-1), and pH (6 to 8.5). Thus, the Bujagali hydropower project had so far had no significant negative effects on the major physico-chemical parameters of the upper Victoria Nile water. Continued monitoring is recommended to enable detection of any deviations, if any, from the observed trends.