New Dam Threatens Uganda's Rapids
Christian Austen
The Bujagali Falls are Uganda's most popular white-water rafting destination but this may soon change. Construction of the notorious Bujagali Dam is due to start in June 2007 and it will have a significant impact on the local river system, making some of the most popular rapids completely unsuitable.
The fate of the Bujagali Falls
Travellers have long been drawn to the Bujagali Falls, tempted by its wide range of rapids that are perfect for every level of experience. Here you can find everything from grade 2 (relatively calm) to grade 6 (impassable), all of which lie in the a beautiful natural setting. Most travellers focus on the grade 3 and grade 4 rapids which offer an exciting, adrenaline fuelled experience without too much risk, but the Bujagali's grade 5 runs are also particularly popular.
White-water rafting is a great form of eco-tourism, allowing travellers to enjoy the natural surroundings without causing too much damage and the Bujagali Falls are a prime example of this. The lush river banks are home to a whole array of native birdlife that are attracted to the rivers abundant supply of fish and visitors usually stay in local campsites which feed money back into local communities.
But all this is set to change with the construction of a new dam 2.5 kilometres downstream from the Bujagali Falls. The rapids which are at present so popular with travellers will be submerged by the new water levels. Further downstream the rapids will be untouched but the adventure opportunities available here will be significantly diminished. Construction is due to start in June 2007, so travellers wishing to experience the country's rapids in their full glory will need to go soon.
So, why are they doing it?
Uganda has been suffering from electricity shortages for quite some time now and it has now reached crisis point. Demand for electricity is increasing by approximately 8% every year and the current hydroelectric power sources are struggling to meet the demand. Power cuts are frequent throughout the country, especially in the capital, and electricity prices are unfeasibly high.
This critical shortage of electricity is having a significant impact on the Ugandan economy and the International Finance Corporation has blamed the country's 1% drop in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in 2005/6 upon the dire power situation.
While the construction of the Bujagali Dam has many downsides (including the damage caused to the country's eco-tourism potential and the destruction of a large portion of the local ecosystem), the sacrifice is thought to be very much necessary to solve the country's electricity crisis. It will allow local people and businesses the luxury of a life without power cuts and should significantly reduce costs.
However, the dam will only meet the current demands of the Ugandan population and with only 5% of homes benefiting from electricity at present, it is likely that demand will grow significantly in the future and another power source will be required.
Future alternatives
Suggestions have been made that alternative power sources should be found which will cause less damage to the local environment but at present they have been overruled. Conversationalists have put strong arguments forward for smaller hydroelectricity stations. The initial investment in these smaller power plants is significantly smaller and they are thought to produce a comparable amount of electricity. What's more, they have less of an impact on the environment and the communities living in the area.
Final approval has been given for the construction of the Bujagali Dam to begin in June but it can be hoped that any future developments will follow a more eco-friendly approach.
The impending construction of the Bujagali Dam has turned white-water rafting at the Falls into a once in a lifetime opportunity. It is estimated that Dam will take 44 months to complete, leaving travellers with a brief window to enjoy the Falls before they are lost forever.
Take a look at our Teach in Tour of Uganda and enjoy the delights of the Bujagali Falls before they disappear.
