Power Outages and Delays Threaten Growth of Mbale Industrial Park Mbale Industrial Park, an ambitious economic hub in eastern Uganda, faces a major setback as persistent power outages and infrastructure delays hamper its growth potential. Power Outages The park has been plagued by frequent power cuts, sometimes lasting for several hours. These outages disrupt production processes, damage equipment, and discourage potential investors. Manufacturers report significant losses due to downtime and wasted materials. Infrastructure Delays Construction of the park’s vital infrastructure, including roads, water reticulation, and waste management systems, has been delayed for years. These delays have limited the park’s ability to attract and retain businesses. Economic Impact The power outages and infrastructure delays are having a significant impact on the local economy. Investors are hesitant to commit to the park, and existing businesses are struggling to operate efficiently. This has hindered job creation and economic growth in the region. Government Response The government has acknowledged the challenges facing Mbale Industrial Park and has initiated measures to address them. However, the implementation of solutions has been slow and ineffective. Recommendations To mitigate the challenges and ensure the park’s growth, the following actions are recommended: * Prioritize power stability: Install reliable backup systems and explore alternative energy sources. * Accelerate infrastructure development: Establish clear timelines and allocate sufficient resources. * Improve communication: Regularly update stakeholders on progress and address concerns promptly. * Provide incentives: Offer tax breaks and subsidies to businesses affected by power outages and infrastructure delays. * Foster collaboration: Engage with the private sector to identify solutions and create partnerships. Conclusion The growth of Mbale Industrial Park is being threatened by power outages and infrastructure delays. Unless these challenges are addressed promptly and effectively, the park’s potential to drive economic development in eastern Uganda will remain elusive. Collaborative efforts between the government, investors, and stakeholders are crucial to ensure the park’s success and its contribution to the region’s prosperity.Factories operating in the China-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park are facing challenges with unstable power supply, threatening production and damaging equipment. The park, commissioned by President Museveni in 2018, houses 48 functional factories on a 619-acre site and produces various products, including textiles, electronics, and household items.Factories operating in the China-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park are facing challenges with unstable power supply, threatening production and damaging equipment. The park, commissioned by President Museveni in 2018, houses 48 functional factories on a 619-acre site and produces various products, including textiles, electronics, and household items. The park experiences approximately 15 power outages or unbalanced power supply per month, which also damages raw materials. The park’s managing director, Laurent Zhang, expressed concerns that power outages will worsen when a steel factory is completed in July 2023, as it will consume around 20 megawatts of power supply. Furthermore, the government’s promise to equip the park with a 240 MW substation has not yet been fulfilled. The process of obtaining electricity meters is also described as hectic, with delays in issuing meters even after application fees are paid. During an inspection of the park by State Minister of Labor Esther Anyakun and other government officials, Zhang highlighted the lack of a permanent drainage system, which has caused flooding in the past, leading to equipment damage and a fire disaster in 2022. Despite land surveys and property valuations being carried out, construction of the drainage system has not commenced. Bahati, Minister of State for Commerce, emphasized the contribution of manufacturers to the national GDP and stressed the importance of ensuring appropriate standards in products and technology. Anite, Minister of State for Privatization and Investment, assured that the government is working to provide the park with a 240 MW substation and build the drainage canal. She also invited investors to report any government officials soliciting bribes. Anyakuni stated that the tour of industries aims to sensitize them about labor administration practices and attract more workers into the formal economy and social protection schemes. Dan Akampurira, head of park safety, outlined the safety measures implemented for workers, including gloves, helmets, ear cushions, and other protective gear. Kenedy Mushemeza, public relations director of Mbale Sino Industrial Park, reported that the park employs approximately 6,000 workers, with 75% being women. The park also supports government programs by providing training to youth.Power Outages and Delays Threaten Growth of Mbale Industrial Park Mbale Industrial Park, a key development project in eastern Uganda, is facing disruptions due to frequent power outages and delays in infrastructure development. The industrial park, launched in 2017, was envisioned to attract investments and create employment opportunities. However, a lack of reliable electricity and delayed construction of essential infrastructure have hampered its progress. Factories within the park, including several textile and manufacturing plants, have experienced significant losses due to power outages. The interruptions have affected production schedules, increased operating costs, and reduced efficiency. Furthermore, delays in the completion of access roads, water supply, and waste management facilities have slowed down the growth of the park. Businesses have expressed concerns about the slow pace of development and the impact it has on their operations. “The power outages have been a major challenge for us,” said a representative from one of the textile factories. “We have lost several days of production, which has put us behind schedule and resulted in financial losses.” The Industrial Park Management Committee has acknowledged the challenges and is working with the government to address the issues. However, the timelines for resolving the problems remain unclear. Experts warn that unless the power outages and infrastructure delays are addressed promptly, the growth of Mbale Industrial Park could be stunted, undermining its potential to contribute to economic development in the region.